WSP00051 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

water is diverted to irrigate lands in the Eden Project. Irrigation seepage into shallow aquifers near the river are the W source of saline seeps. These seeps and springs below the Eden -...] Project contribute about 116,000 tons of salt, and tributaries ~ contribute about 48,000 tons of salt annually to the Green River. aJ Studies indicate that the saline water could be intercepted before seeping into the river. The state of Wyoming has been involved in the study from the beginning and has provided information, guidance, and funding. It has also supported fu~ther funding for advance planning studies. Early Reclamation studies considered the use of saline water for industrial purposes; however, these alternatives did not prove to be viable. Studies of alternatives calling for the lining of some currently unlined canals in the Eden Project area showed that selective canal lining is not cost effective. The USDA salinity control program consists of converting the existing onfarm surface irrigation systems to low-pressure sprinkler irrigation systems on 15,700 acres. When fully implemented, the onfarm program will reduce the salt contribution to the river by 52,000 tons per year. Supplemental, low interest loans for the farmers to cover 30 percent cost sharing will be needed. The State of Wyoming has a program to provide local farmers with such assistance. The final Big Sandy River Unit Environmental Impact Statement was published in 1987 and the Record of Decision issued on January 27, 1988. A new USDA field office was established wi thin the project area at Farson, Wyoming, in 1988 to implement the project. SCS, ASCS and Cooperative Extension Service all have staff in this office and have conducted a local USDA workshop to provide training. CRSC funds for salinity control contr.acts have been allocated to this project since 1988. As of :;eptember 30,., 1989, seven salinity control contracts had been signed with participants obligating approximately $427,000. To date, four sprinkler systems have been installed on 411 acres and technical assistance is being provided to each participant on irrigation water management. The annual salt load reduction from these actions is about 2,700 tons. Twenty two (22) applications for participation in the program are on file in the field office. An SCS wildlife biologist is assigned to the Farson office and provides full-time assistance for planning, installation, and evaluation of wildlife habitat. McElmo Creek/Dolores Project (Reclamation and USDA). Early studies in the McElmo Creek Basin in southwestern Colorado show that sal~,)oading results from both irrigation and other nonpoint sources, with irrigation being the main contributor. The total irrigation diversion into the drainage area averages 105,200 35 '1