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. , .' . . ~ ~ o (\j COLORADO RIVER SALINITY CONTROL PROGRAM (continued) stations and a water quality sampling program were established in 1972. Analysis of 5 years of streamflow and water quality records modi fied the previous estimate to 205,000 tons (186 000 t) of salt per year. Feasibility studies were initiated in 1972. Investigations are covered in previous reports for fiscal years 1972-77. The plan involves pumping the brine from the well field to a nearby hydrogen sulfide strip- ping plant. The treated brine and sulfur would be pumped to the proposed Radium Evaporation Pond or deep well injection site for disposal. A third option is being simultaneously explored - disposal into a pipeline collection system. Ten additional piezometer clusters have been added in the well field to improve the monitoring network. Two holes were drilled at each cluster consisting of a deep-piezometer to monitor pressure changes and a shallow observation well to monitor the changes in water table and brine-fresh water interface levels. Erosion control jacks have been placed on the river side of the temporary brine pond. During high river flows some of the pond embankment was being eroded away. The jacks are doing a good job in controlling erosion. Testing to remove the hydrogen sulfide gas from the brine is con- tinuing. A pilot electrolytic oxidation plant was tested at the well field in late 1978. Earlier, an aeration process was tested using a nickel sulfate catalyst to oxidize the hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur. The testing program is about 70 percent complete and is scheduled to end in early 1981. Water rights and land acquisi tion are now in the process of being obtained. Legal work in these areas is continuing and does not appear to present any major problems. Studies to determine the impacts an evaporation pond would have on waterfowl have been done by Colorado State University and Water and Power personnel. Some pertinent information has been obtained from the studies but no specific conclusions have been reached. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will help determine if additional studies are needed. The brine well field is presently being test pumped to determine the rate of pumping needed to stop the brine flow into the river. The test pumping will continue through 19B1 or until adequate information is collected. A professional services contract will be awarded in 1980 to study the possibility of disposing of the brine by deep well injection. The request for proposals was mailed on August 13, 1980. If the possibilities of deep well injection prove favorable, injection tests will be attempted. 66