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3. U.S. Geological Survey ~ CO Determination of the overall goals and accomplishments of the CJ salinity control program relies heavily on streamflow and dissolved solids ~~ data from key sampling stations in the Colorado River Basin. Since 1984, the U.S. Geological Survey has been analyzing the available data in order to develop a consistent, accurate data base for salinity studies in the Basin. This analysis has included consolidating historical records and studies, extending the historical record for certain stations, and generating a natural record of dissolved solids discharge which would have occurred if no water resource development existed in the Basin. The natural record was required specifically for prediction of future salinity by Reclamation. , Specific objectives of the data analysis project were: (1) generate annual and monthly loads and concentrations of dissolved solids and the major constituents for all stations with adequate record; (2) determine source areas of dissolved solids; (3) determine trends in streamflow, dissolved solids, and the major constituents; (4) identify causes of trends whenever possible; (5) develop a method for calculating natural salt load at the key Reclamation input points for CRSS; and (6) develop a technique based on hydrologic, hydraulic, and statistical principles to estimate complete monthly and annual dissolved solids load data sets for the period 1941-83, at 12 of the 20 stations in the Colorado River Basin which have varying lengths of record. 4. U.S. Department of Agriculture The passage of Public Law 98-569 provides a separate authority for implementing a basin-wide USDA on-farm program. Funds, however, have not yet been appropriated for the program. Until then, as prescribed by the provisions of Title II of Public Law 93-320, USDA will continue to use existing program authorities. Within USDA, planning activities are a responsibility of the SCS. Once irrigated agricultural salt source areas have been identified, SCS undertakes salinity control studies and investigations to determine the extent and severity of salt source loadings. These studies and investigations are conducted tLnder the river basin authorities of Section 6 of ~Jblic Law 83=566, watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. These studies are fully coordinated with Reclamation activities and serve as the basis for detailed project implementation plans. In 1985, only a minimal planning effort was undertaken due to limited funding. The two reports released in 1985 were the Mancos Valley, published in September 1984, and the Colorado River Indian Reservation, published in May 1985. Current implementation activities are concentrated in the Uinta Basin, Utah, and the Grand Valley, Colorado. Implementation of the USDA on-farm program is the responsibility of the ASCS and SCS. Currently, USDA is relying on the existing program authorities and funding for project implementation. The Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP) of ASCS is providing special cost-share funding for water management and salinity control practices. SCS is using funds allocated through their ongoing Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program to provide the necessary technical support staff to plan and implement the water management and salinity control practices. VII-9