WSP00892

• File Number: 8240.300.03
• Description: San Juan River - Recovery Implementation Program - General Info
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 2/4/1992
• Title: San Juan River Seven Year Research Plan ‎(Fiscal Year 1992)‎
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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San Juan Seven Year Research Plan

WORK STATEMENT/PROTOCOL
WATER QUALITY PROGRAM - RECLAMATION (Salt Lake Regional Office)

Background:
A number of water quality investigations are ongoing
River Basin. The Department of Interior (DOl) has
quality programs ongoing in the San Juan River Basin.
DOl National Irrigation Water Quality Programs:

1) pine River phase II (nearing completion)

2) Navajo, Hammond, Fruitland projects (Navajo Dam to below Fruitland) in
phase II to be competed in FY-1992.

or planned in the San Juan
at least four ~ajor water
The Programs include three

3) Dolores Project which has return flow to the San Juan River and includes
the San Juan from below Bloomfield to Lake Powell. This is also a phase
II study scheduled for completion in FY-1992, and

4) the Bureau of Reclamation Colorado River Water Quality Improvement
Program, San Juan River Unit Salinity Control Program. This study is
scheduled for completion in FY-1992-93, (7)

In addition, the U.S.G.S. and EPA have a study of the fate of underground
injection activities in the Anneth Oil Field Area of Utah.

Although only limited data is available from ongoing studies, preliminary
information from the DOI National Irrigation Drainage Water Quality Program is
indicating that potentially significant water quality problems may exist from
numerous trace element sources and hydrocarbons in the San Juan River Basin.

Water quality issues in the San Juan River basin will need to be addressed in
conjunction with other biological and habitat needs of the target species in the
San Juan River if these species are to be conserved within the river.

Objectives:
1) Summarize water quality data available for the San Juan River.

2) Identify critical water quality issues which may affect recovery of
endangered fish in the San Juan River.

31 Recommend additional research which is need to determine water quality
impacts on endangered fish in the San Juan River.

Methods:
Water quality data from ongoing and historic studies in the San Juan will be
sUll1lTlarized and analyzed in FY-1992. In addition, basic field water quali~y
parameters such as temperature, conductivity and pH will be collected 1n
conjunction with the biological and habitat studies which are planned for FY92.
No permanent water quality monitoring sites will be implemented until there has
been a thorough review of existing and ongoing water quality studies in the basin

The primary focus of the water quality program during FY92 will be to assemble
the data from these various programs and assess its impact on the aquatic eCOlogy
of the san Juan River. The research program will also determine what future
studies will be ongoing, and try to coordinate these efforts with the needs of
the Seven Year Plan. For example, should the 2 studies on the San Juan River go
to phase III (Detailed Investigation) level in FY-93-94, they could constitute
a significant portion of the water quality program needs.

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