WSP02017

• File Number: 8270.100
• Description: Colorado River Basin Water Quality/Salinity -- Misc Water Quality
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 9/1/1994
• Title: Lower Gunnison Basin Unit East Side Laterals - Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program - SUPPLEMENT TO FEASIBILITY REPORT
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Chapter 1 - Introduction

concept. An appraisal-level report was completed in November 1989 which
demonstrated the potential of achieving financial feasibility for those five
deferred components. Cost-effectiveness values of less than $100 per ton of ~
salinity reduction were displayed for the canal and lateral components.
Further reductions in cost-effectiveness value were thought to be possible if ~
a use could be identified for saved water resulting from such improvements
and some monetary benefit could be received.

Project beneficiaries would be the salinity control program and the UVWUA,
which would obtain a modem, low maintenance system. The appraisal
report, completed in 1989, recommended a detailed planning study to gather
additional data, refine the project plan, and perform the detailed financial
analysis needed to document the feasibility of combined funding.

As a followup to the IEP appraisal study, a feasibility-level investigation
termed the Uncompahgre Project System Optimization/Joint Use (SO/JU)
Study was initiated in FY90. The concept of the SO/JU Study built upon
that analyzed in the IEP study but was expanded to address other cost
saving measures and a number of unresolved issues from the FRlFES. As
before, improvement to the Uncompahgre Project irrigation system was
identified as a benefit to both the salinity control program and the
irrigators. Costs could be shared by: (1) salinity control program; (2) a
reimbursable R&B loan obtained by the UVWUA; and, (3) potentially, the
reuse of saved water.

The SO/JU Study hoped to prove that by sharing costs and incorporating
the UVWUA's cost efficiencies, construction of the five deferred components
on the east side of the Uncompahgre River might become cost effective when
compared to other candidate salinity control projects in the Colorado River
basin. Financial resources for project implementation would be obtained
from the Federal Government's salinity control program, the Lower
Colorado River Basin Development Fund, the Upper Colorado River Basin
Fund, the UVWUA's R&B loan and, possibly, an undefined beneficiary of
the water saved. Separate reports were planned for use in obtaining
R&B and salinity program funding.

The SO/JU study activities were primarily directed at modifying and
refining design and cost estimates, performing a detailed financial
reanalysis of the five deferred components and reanalyzing environmental
impacts and associated wetland and wildlife mitigation requirements.
Reformulation of the mitigation plan was included because the previously
developed plan was controversial, and because the UVWUA was on record
as opposing it.

Initially, previous designs of the five deferred canal and lateral systems on
the east side of the Uncompahgre River were reviewed and revisions were
made to reflect recent experience, cost saving measures, and desires of the
water users. The study concept did not include significant revisions to the
authorized plan, which involved lining of the east side canals and laterals to

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