WSP03574 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

< . . Saline Water Transport and Use Office Needs for Assistance From Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum ~ August 12, 1982 W ~~ Interstate Water Rights Issues. - There is still a large degree of concern ~ among potential participants that the interstate water rights issues will preclude multistate saline water transport pipelines from coming to reality. The Forum's work group has these issues under consideration and Reclamation has full confidence that a workable approach can be found. To alleviate the concerns of' potential participants, the identified concepts for resolving ~he interstate Water rights issues should be broadly announced at the earliest possible date, preferably in September or October of this year. Coordination with Coal Development Strategies. - The Western States Governors have been very actlve in advanclng coal development strategies for domestic and export purposes. Integration of Colorado River Basin salinity control and related transportation opportunities into those strategies appears natural. Forum members and the Forum's Executive Director can best facili- tate the necessary dial09 to accomplish that inte9ration. The Forum needs to consider the appropriateness of that integrqtion and, if desirable, develop an action plan involving Forum and Reclamation personnel. Enablin9 Legislation. - Currently, Reclamation has the authority to proceed only with a'plan of study. Beginnin9 in early 1983, existing authorities will not allow further Federal pursuit of these concepts. Therefore, passage of enabling legislation during this session of the Congress is essential. Funding Requirements. - Reclamation has budgeted sufficient funds to support staff and overhead for the Saline Water Transport and Use Office. However, the amount Of Federal funding needed for cost sharing on corridor selection and environmental studies has not been determined. Accordingly, the Forum will need to work with the Administration and the Congress early in calendar year 1983 to assure that sufficient funds are available in fiscal years 1984 and 1985. Coordination of Industrial Water Use Plans. - Over the past several months, the Colorado River Basin States have been assisting Reclamation in identi- fying opportunities for beneficial use of saline water. However, those efforts have' had little uniformity among the States. With the experience that has been gained through implementation of the Forum's Policy for the Use of Brackish ~nd Saline Waters, it may be productive for the Forum's Work Group to review the related procedures of the various States. Such a review could result In more uniform application of the more effective procedures now being used. In the instance of local use options, liason through local Forum members has proven quite effective. However, participation of the Forum's 1 Executive Director in discussions with regional interest sectors may be desirable in some Instances. Better definition of the division of responsi- bilities appears appropriate.