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<br />- 21 - <br /> <br />t'\":1 n" ') <br />'-' " lJ ~J .) " <br /> <br />Significant water quality impacts could result from oil shale plant <br />operation and coal mining activities, Additionally, increased population <br />growth could cause some water quality impacts from community growth and <br />from power plant activity. It is anticipated that with appropriate control <br />technology these impacts can be mitigated. <br /> <br />Water Quality - Oil Shale--Substantial impacts for oil shale plant <br />operation could result from an increase in total dissolved solids in the <br />Colorado River system. Total dissolved solids would be limited to specified <br />levels at the State line. The State's policy on salinity is currently being <br />developed, and, until that policy evolved, it is unclear what possible <br />constraints the issue of salinity may have on oil shale development. Also, <br />oil shale activities could affect ground water, causing significant impacts. <br />It is felt that these impacts can probably be mitigated, but further <br />evaluation of ground water impact is needed. <br /> <br />Water Quality - Coal--Substantial impacts from coal ~n~ng activities, <br />relating to total dissol~d solids, could occur. The definitive impact <br />on stream quality, again, will depend on the State's policy on salinity. <br /> <br />Water Quality - Oil and Gas and Uranium--Minimal to moderate water <br />quality impact from the development of these resources is anticipated. <br /> <br />Water Qualitv - Secondary Impacts--Substantial water quality impacts <br />from population growth in communities and from power plant operation could <br />occur. However, it is anticipated that with appropriate control technology <br />the operation of power plants and municipal waste water treatment facilities <br />would be in compliance with discharge standards. <br /> <br />Solid Waste and Haza.rdous Materials E:valuation--A major poten.t1.:i.l problem <br />for solid and hazardous waste disposal, associated with the development of <br />oil shale resources, has been identified. Substantial environmental impacts <br />for uranium mining and milling could occur with the high scenario. If appro- <br />priate controls are applied, mitigation of the impacts to acceptable levels <br />is anticipated. Additionally, secondary population growth could result in <br />solid and hazardous waste disposal impacts. Again, it is anticipated that <br />by the use of appropriate control, mitigation of the impacts to acceptable <br />levels can be achieved. <br /> <br />Solid Waste and Hazardous Materials Evaluation - Oil Shale--Major <br />potential problems associated with the waste disposal of spent oil shale J <br />could occur. In addition to the large amount of land area required for <br />disposal (assumed to be 150 sites of 250 acres each and 100 feet deep), <br />environmental impact on ground water due to leaching could result. Also, <br />impacts of unknown magnitude could occur with surface water contamination, <br />sludge formation, and from wind and soil erosion of the spent shale piles. <br />Further review is necessary in order to determine more quantitatively these <br />impacts and appropriate control measures needed to mitigate identified problems.. <br />