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<br />~ <br />~ <br />~ <br /> <br />solids annually to the Green River in Wyoming. Most of this salt enters <br />the Big Sandy from numerous seeps in a stretch of the river from Simpson <br />Gulch to Gasson Bridge. It is estimated that about 80,000 tons could <br />be removed by treatment of the more saline flows when the stream dis- <br />charge is low. <br /> <br />G( <br /> <br />Because of the low winter temperatures, it may be possible to apply <br />natural freezing methods to desaliDize the water. Small scale experi- <br />ments have been conducted by Professor D. L. Stinson of the University <br />of Wyoming in which sprinklers are used to spray water into the air <br />where it free~es and falls forming an ice pile. The ice crystals which <br />separate out contain pure water and the unfrozen brine can be drained <br />and diverted fur ultimate disposal. The experiments have been successful <br />in producing a very low concentration in product water and high concen- <br />tration in the effluent. <br /> <br />A research proposal is currently being negotiated with Professor Stinson <br />for a pilot demonstration of this method in the vicinity of Gasson <br />Bridge during the winter of 1973-74. Water would be pumped from the <br />Big Sandy River. sprinkled to produce ice piles, and then separated by <br />natural aging and thawing. This pilot operation will supply needed <br />information regarding the capability of freezing, effectiveness of the <br />sprinkler equipment and configuration for best ice formation, the <br />amount of salt that can be removed, quality of the product water, cost <br />per ton of salt ~emoval. and environmental impact of the process. A <br />feasibility report is scheduled for fiscal year 1978. <br /> <br />Irriaation Schedulinq and Manaqement Division <br /> <br />Grand Valley Basin Unit <br /> <br />There are about 76.000 acres irrigated in the Grand Valley area of <br />western Colorado. The quantity of salt contributed by this irrigated <br />area is unknown. but it has been estimated by various studies to be <br />between 300,000 and 700,000 tons per year. <br /> <br />Irrigation scheduling was started in 1972 with about 1,000 acres on 43 <br />separate farms spread throughout the irrigated area. The 1973 program <br />was expanded to 7.200 acres owned by 120 farmers. Early results indi- <br />cate that higher efficiencies are being obtained at least on some sugar <br />beet fields. The planned operations at the end of this season include <br />collection and analysis of yield reports particularly for sugar beets <br />and malting barley. <br /> <br />During 1974, salinity monitoring will be increased by adding ground- <br />water wells. soil and water samples. and intense monitoring of one <br />isolated area. The unit is scheduled for continuation through FY 1977. <br /> <br />-5- <br />