WSP01909

• File Number: 8273.500
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Federal Agencies - EPA
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 3/12/1979
• Title: State - EPA Agreement -- Colorado Region VIII FY 79
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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generally lie near headwaters, and these waters are generally neutral ized within

several miles of the source. Without proper management and reclamation of exist-

Ing and future mining operations, similar problems could be expected from those

activities.

2. Achievement of the beneficial use goals for water quality protection set

forth by the Water Quality Control Commission are more seriously hampered by

stream dewatering than by chemical or biological degradation of the State's

waters.

3. Agricultural sources of pollution in Colorado are the result of sedi-

mentation accelerated by livestock grazing on naturally erodable sites; sal in-

Ization of waters caused by Irrigation of saline soils and consumptive use of

irrlgati9n water; and nutrients in waters where commercial fertil izers are used

in conjunction with feedlot manure. Pesticides have not been detected in runoff

waters nor has sediment arising from Irrigation useage been determined to be a

significant problem.

4. Municipal and industrial point sources, including animal feeding opel'-

ations, have been a much more serious problem in the past than at present, but

with Colorado's growth and more stringent stream standards, these point sources

are and will be a continuing problem. The Construction Grants Program with 205(g)

assumption will be a viable force in improving existing problems and maintaining

adequate watcr quality.

5. Septic tank system failure is not widespread; but where it does occur,

the impact on high quality waters Is often significant.

6. Urban runoff Is a problem In the large population centers of the front

range. It may also be a problem in smaller towns adjacent to high quality waters.

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