WSP00412

• File Number: 8270.100
• Description: Colorado River Basin Water Quality/Salinity -- Misc Water Quality
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 4/1/1982
• Author: USDA
• Title: Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program - Final Environmental Impact Statement for Lower Gunnison Basin Unit - Montrose and Delta Counties CO and Uintah Basin Unit
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

I

I

w
,...
N
t\J

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

considers the significance of this loss by displaying the dollar cost to fully
mitigate the loss and by sbo~ing the loss as a percentage of the total habitat
value in the valley.

In contrast there is a basis for wetland protection and mitigation established
in the regulations for compliance with N.E.P.A.. Executive Order 11990, and
USDA policy. Therefore, the concept of mitigation for loss of wetland habitat
and of reducing the salt load carried by the Colorado River presents the conflict
between the environmental values of improved water quality versus wetland
loss.

The Soil Conservation Service was aware of the conflict between the competing
environmental values of water quality and irrigation induced wetlands when it
developed its ~etland policy (7 eFR 650.26) in compliance ~ith Executive Order
12990. As a result, the SCS wetland policy ~as written to allo~ for certain
policy exceptions if necessary to meet identified irrigation water management
(water quality and water conservation) objectives. However, as previously
indicated, SCS will make every effort to work with cooperators to include
wildlife practices in their conservation plans.

c.

Affected Environment

Location

The Lower Gunnison Basin Unit in west central Colorado (Figure IV-I)
includes all or major portions of Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, and Ouray Counties.

nGL'RE IV-I, GL'"SQ; RIVER DRAI:>ACL
LO,ER GLh';ISU; SALIXITl Cl:1.\-m:JL S'IU)"'. mWRArO

I
t
I

o
Q
:r c
l!"
=>10
I~

I

COLORADO

&.-- --.
-

LOCATIO'" MAP

IV-25