Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />Implementation of the Landowner Preferred-Modified Alternative <br />(Alternative 12) would result in a reduction of 113,370 tons of salt per <br />year in the Big Sandy River, a decrease in salinity in the Green River <br />at the town of Green River, Wyoming, of 60.92 milligrams per liter, and <br />a decrease of 14.30 milligrams per liter at Imperial Dam, on the lower <br />Colorado River. The land remaining under irrigation would also have a <br />benefit of increased crop yield. No range or forest land would be <br />treated under this alternative. Mitigation would be provided to offset <br />the significant wildlife, wetland, and upland game habitat that would <br />be impacted. No known unique cultural, historical, archeological, or <br />natural resource would be disturbed by the implementation of this <br />alternative. Prior to implementation, a cultural resource inventory <br />will be made and regulations concerning historic and cultural properties <br />will be complied with. <br /> <br />The total estimated cost of implementing Alternative 12 would be <br />about $35.9 million. This includes approximately $28.8 million for <br />irrigation retirement on 13,700 acres, $5.5 million for structural <br />improvements of the irrigation systems on the remaining 2,000 acres, <br />and $1.6 million for measures to offset the adverse effects to wetlands <br />and associated wildlife habitat. <br /> <br />This study surfaced many issues in regard to the various alternatives <br />evaluated and presented. Some of the issues which need to be considered <br />are: <br /> <br />1) Special legislation for authority and funds to retire <br />all or a substantial portion of present irrigated <br />farmland. <br /> <br />2) Changes of political philosophy and/or institutional <br />arrangements concerning water rights and alternative <br />uses of water. <br /> <br />3) Implementing agencies and authorities. <br /> <br />4) Landowners' inability to financially pay for operation, <br />maintenance, and replacement of on-farm irrigation system <br />improvements. <br /> <br />. ., <br />Uj~~~U <br /> <br />S-5 <br />