WSP00026

• File Number: 8276.200
• Description: Paradox Valley Unit - Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 11/18/1982
• Title: Agenda Item 12/ December 2/ 1982/ Board Meeting--Salinity Control Project Water Rights Issues
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Board Memo

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Colorado River Basin
Salinity Control Forum
1 06 West 500 South. Suite 1 01
Bountiful. Utah 84010
[phone]

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October 25, 1982

Mr. Robert N. Broadbent
Commissioner
Bureau of Reclamation
U.S. Department of the Interior
Interior Office Building
18th & C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Commissioner Broadbent:

We are advised that you have expressed concern about the water
rights and interstate compact issues which may be raised by certain of
the Colorado River Basin salinity control projects. We would like to
take this opportunity to advise you of the Forum's position in this
regard.

As you are aware, some of the proposed salinity control projects
may result in depletions of surface water from the Colorado River system
through various means, including, for example, deep well injection,
industrial use (e.g., cooling tower evaporation, process water, and
pipeline transportation medium), and dispoeal of saline waters, other-
wise unused, in evaporation ponds. On the other hand, other salinity
control projects could result in reductions in present levels of
depletions (i.e., water salvage) and in changes in historical diversion
requirements and water delivery patterns.

In light of these circumstances, it is recognized that the implementation
and operation of each salinity control project has the potential of '
raising water rights and interstate compact issues which will, in turn,
have to be addressed as-,the Colorado River Basin salinity control program
goes forward. However, the factual circumstances from which such issues
arise will vary from project to project. Furthermore, one cannot be
sure that a potential issue will in fact be encountered in the future.

After considering these circumstances, the Forum has concluded that
any water rights and interstate compact issues associated with salinity
control projects should be addressed on a project-by-project basis, it
being understood that such projects must proceed in conformance with
procedural and substantive state water laws as well as with the Colorado
River Compact, the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact, the decree of the

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