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<br />VI. USDA rULE II AC1'IVIrIES <br /> <br />,I'\:) <br />..Po 1'1tle II of the PL-93-320 deals with the salinity contribution of the Colorado <br />~..... River above Imperial Dam and the program necessary to meetU .S. water quality <br />W, standardswhi~e the Basin, States continue to develop their .compact-apportioIied <br />waters. '. <br /> <br />Specifically,ritle II authorized the construction, operation, and maintenance <br />of four U.S. Bureau of Reclamation salinity-control projects, including the <br />, USDA onfarm aspects of the Grand Valley Unit, Colorado. USDaplauning reports <br />have been completed for the Grand Valley in Colorado andUinta Basin 'in Utah. <br />USDA began implementation and installation of onfarm salinity control measures <br />in the Grand Valley in 1979 and the Uinta Basin in 1980.' . <br /> <br />A. PLANNING. During the last, ten years, SCS has taken ,the lead to develop <br />USDA salinity control plans and published reports. Detailed salinity control <br />surveys and investigations have been completed on, nine units. USDA reports, <br />with recommended implementation plans, were completed onsix,unitsi Grand, <br />Valley (1977) and Grand Valley Lateral Supplement (1980), Uinta Basin (i979), <br />Moapa Valley (1981), Lower Gunnison (1981),Virgin Valley (1982), and Mc:Elmo <br />Creek (1983). !'he Big Sandy report (198Q) displays 14 alternatives, but no <br />USDA recommended plan. Recent studies were made in Big Sandy, Wyoming which ' <br />show feasibility for using low pressure sprinkler irrigation systems to reduce' <br />deep percolation and associated salt. This alternative appears to be more <br />cost-effective and is being pursued further. !'he MancosValley'USDA report <br />has undergone interagency review and is being finalized. <br /> <br />Planning activities in '84 included completion of a Cultural Resources <br />Assessment Report for Moapa Valley and the Virgin Valley in Nevada. AFinding <br />Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) report is being prepared for the recommended <br />salinity plans in the Moapa Valley and Virgin 'Valley. 'Public awareness of <br />salinity legislation and possible funding has been discussed' at, local 'meetings <br />of conservation districts, the Conservation Commission, Food and Agriculture <br />Council, 'and Resource Action, Council. <br /> <br />!'he Price-San Rafael USDA report is being modified by the Utah staff to <br />incorporate important lateral improvements needed to support onfarm system <br />improvements. USBR did not find lateral lining to be cost effective for <br />salinity control as a separate increment, and Investigation is, now proceeding <br />to determine whether a joint action alternative involving both agencies will <br />be the most cost-effective solution. One element to be included in such an <br />alternative is a community plan to improve winter watering 'practices for <br />livestock. USDA has participated in public meetings to discuss the onfarm <br />salinity program and has kept the local sponsors informed on opportunities for <br />funding and technical assistance. <br /> <br />-16- <br />