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<br />:::> <br /> <br />The setting of numerical standards on total dissolved solids (TDS) , <br />chlorides, sulfates and sodium, which in effect would be allocating <br />the dilution capacIty of the stream, could be construed as re-allocat- <br />ing water rights and appropriations under existing compacts and <br />treaties. Therefore, until this is sue is resolved, no numerical values <br />for these items will be established, but all identifiable sources of <br />salinity increase in the waters of the state will be managed and <br />controlled to the degree reasonable practicable with available <br />technology. <br /> <br />~ <br />~ <br />N <br />~. <br /> <br />Also, (in Sec. 6-2-4.4): <br /> <br />SpeCial emphasis will be placed on finding practical means of reducing <br />the salinity of Agricultural drainage waters, since this beneficial use <br />requires that large quantities of water be returned to the river in order <br />to maintain a salt balance. <br /> <br />Thus, existing standards contain no salinity criteria; but they do contain <br />a commitment to control all identifiable sources of pollution; and to develop <br />control technology for irrigation return flows. <br /> <br />The sufficiency of the approach outlined above must be tested against two <br />benchmarks. One is the vigor with which it is being applied; the other is the <br />adequacy of results which it will achieve. There has been a great deal of research <br />and investigations, mostly sponsored by the Federal government, aimed at develop- <br />ing information on the sources of salts in the river system and means for their <br />control. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Agriculture <br />and Interior have research and demonstration programs, and the latter agencies <br />have actual field programs to improve irrigation works and practices. However, <br />large scale application of irrigation improvements and other control measures <br />will be needed to achieve dramatic results. <br /> <br />In summary, standards presently in effect acknowledge the existence of <br />salinity problems in the Lower Colorado River, and projections indicate that con- <br />ditions will worsen unless corrective measures are taken. In recognition of this <br />problem, and in the absence of numeric criteria, the Environmental Protection <br />Agency and the seven states of the basin recommended that a policy be adopted <br />which would have as its objective the maintenance of salinity concentrations at <br />or below levels presently found in the Lower Main Stream. EPA has adopted this <br />recommendation. We are currently discussing with the basin states ways in which <br />this policy can be formally incorporated in water quality standards for the Colorado <br />River. The Department of the Interior has developed a salinity control program <br />designed to achieve the policy. However, even though these basic steps have <br />been taken, we are a long way from final resolution of the problems of the Colorado. <br />The nature of our dilemma becomes immediately apparent if we attempt to determine <br />what "control" is required for a particular industry (or in this case! a particular <br />irrigation discharge). <br /> <br />3 <br />