WSPC01779

• File Number: 8272
• Description: Colorado River - Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program - CRBSCP
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 2/1/1989
• Title: Salinity Update - February 1989
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

OG2322

13 EPA ROLE

(CRSS) to evaluate the impacts of
current practices and the need for
future salinity control.

In addition, the USGS conducts
hydrologic investigations in
cooperation with local, State, and
other Federal agencies on specific
aspects of the salinity control
program. These investigations,
typically local in scope, compliment
the regional and national investi-
~ations and research supported by
'~GS Federal funds. Recent
.lvestigations have included
analyses oftrends in streamflow
and salinity at 70 sites in the Upper
Colorado River Basin; determina-
tion of ground-water contributions
to salinity of the Colorado, Green,
and San Juan Rivers; and studies of
salt loading from public lands in
Nevada to Lake Mead. Results from
these studies form the basis for a
better understanding of salinity
mechanisms.

Fish and Wildlife Service

The FWS activities are important
to the implementation and progress
of the CRWQIP. FWS provides
guidance for avoiding and/or
replacing habitat losses due to canal
and lateral lining and voluntary
onfarm programs.

Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act reports, planning aid letters,
and comments on draft environ-
mental statements are some of the
many services that FWS provides
under the CRWQIP. FWS provides
membership to Habitat Evaluation

Procedure (HEP) teams that conduct
field work and analyze the impacts
of program implementation and
construction on the area's habitat.
Lists of endangered species in a
project area and biological opinions
are provided by FWS under
provisions of the Endangered
Species Act.

Fish and wildlife measures
planned to offset possible impacts
include acquisition and develop-
ment of wildlife habitat, construc-
tion of watering ponds, and
installation of fences or escape
structures to reduce big game losses.
Voluntary SCS onfarm improve-
ments such as select plantings,
strip-harvesting of some crops,
windbreak development, and small
ponds are also planned.

Through the close cooperation
and coordination of Reclamation,
SCS, FWS, the States, and local
entities, habitats will be evaluated
and recommendations for replace-
ment developed. Implementation of
incidental wildlife habitat replace-
ment is proceeding concurrently
with implementation of
Reclamation projects.

EPAROLE

The principal EP A programs
dealing with salinity control are::

. Water Quality Management
Planning,

. Water Quality Standards,