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<br />~t}~) <br /> <br />~ <br />..... <br />~ <br />"", <br /> <br />j~[fI~v <br /> <br />~'''-:., <br />i;~i:;:} <br /> <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE <br />OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY <br />WASHINGTON. D. C.202S0 <br /> <br />Honorable Gi Ibert G. Stamm <br />Commissioner, Bureau of Rec1amation <br />U.S. Department of the Interior <br />Washington, D.C. 20240 <br /> <br />May I a, 19:'(a <br /> <br />Dea r Mr. Stamm: <br /> <br />In response to your March 17, 1976, request to Dr. Fowden G. Maxwell, <br />we have reviewed the draft environmental impact statement entitled <br />"Colorado River Water Qual ity Improvement Program." We have the <br />following comments for your consideration. <br /> <br />In general, the draft statement reflects a substantial effort to assess <br />and interpret the environmental effects of this program. We are in <br />general agreement with your assessed impacts. <br /> <br />We are concerned, however, that there is generally little discussion of <br />cooperative USDA activities for improving on-farm irrigation systems <br />and management, or improving watershed conditions in the Basin to help <br />reduce salt loading. USDA is participating in numerous studies which <br />include irrigation salt source areas. Our quarterly and annual reports <br />to the Bureau reflect these cooperative activities. When fully <br />implemented, USDA assistance will improve irrigation efficiency, reduce <br />watershed erosion, and reduce the salt load to the River. Therefore, <br />we suggest that the final statement be a jointUSDA-USDI-EPA statement <br />or that a USDA supplement be prepared. <br /> <br />Within the Grand Valley unit, the draft EIS projects an increase in <br />irrigation efficiency from 33% to 60% resulting from the Bureau's <br />Irrigation Management Services. We feel this' is unlikely. Soil <br />Con'servation S'ervice field evaluations in this area indicate that <br />overall efficiencies of 60% will be very difficult to obtain, even with <br />improved on-farm systems, with current technology and the.expected <br />level of participation by Irrigators. <br /> <br />We suggest that more economic data be Included to support the estimate <br />of $2"30,000 per unit (mg/I) of salt reduction benefit for improvement of <br />the water qual ity at fmperlal Dam. Probabi llty prediction of a 1980 <br />operational date for weather modification to increase snowfall in the <br />Basin would strengthen the EIS. <br /> <br /> <br />are enclosed for your use. Thank you for <br />to rev i ew this document. <br /> <br />9 <br />