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<br />...."" <br />00 <br />l\.) <br />~ <br /> <br />principal irrigation sources of salt in the Basin. Preliminary canal seepage <br />and drainage investigations have been made on the Hammond Project and justify <br />the need for more detailed testing. Historic flow and water quality data show <br />that the irrigated area contributes over 18,500 tons of salt annually. <br /> <br />The NIIP irrigated area has recently started discharging water above <br />3,000 mg/L,. mostly in the Gallegos and Ojo Amarillo Washes. These are both <br />wide and deep sandy washes and the drainage water could be collected in them <br />if disposal or industrial use alternatives appear feasible. <br /> <br />The Hogback Project contributes heavy salt loading but the <br />mechanisms have not yet been explored. Ground water accruing to the San Juan <br />alluvium in this vicinity have salinity concentrations of over 15,000 mg/L. <br />other manmade salt contributions include abandoned gas or oil wells which have <br />developed leaks at the wellhead, coolant discharges from powerplants, and <br />wastewater from a petroleum refinery. <br /> <br />As the information in this early stage of investigation is gathered, <br />potential solutions are being developed. Costs for lining the canals in the <br />area are being estimated, methods of controlling the salt discharge from those <br />areas north of the river are being identified, and potential industrial users <br />will be contacted. Environmental and other planning considerations, such as <br />water rights, are being evaluated. The conclusions from this appraisal of the <br />Basin will be made by the fall of 1986. <br /> <br />If at least one cost-effective and acceptable alternative can be <br />identified, the study will continue toward identifying the best plans for <br />reducing salinity in the Basin. A Planning and Environmental Document is <br />scheduled for the fall of 1989. <br /> <br />21. Sinbad Valley Unit (BLM and Reclamation) <br /> <br />The Sinbad valley Unit is located in western Colorado, south of the <br />town of Gateway. Salt Creek drains Sinbad valley and has been identified as a <br />point source of saline ground water contributing an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 <br />tons per year of salts to the Colorado River system. Saline ground water <br />discharge from the Paradox member of the Hermosa Formation and overlying <br />alluvium in Sinbad Valley is responsible for high concentrations of dissolved <br />';:u-J.'~~-= ---~---_.!,-- __-11___ __...3 _1...1__':..:1- .:- ~-,~ ,.....__1, IT1h';ro ".r"""'I"~ ,.~+-or ;C:! <br />..., .1.U:;:), l-'L.L1Llc:lL.1..LY ::'UU.LUJU QJ1U \",.;UJ.UL.1.UC, .1.11 .;JQ.&..... \",.LCCn.. .......a..Lt;J ':f&'V\",OU.&U .,a.\oo&"",,,,,,,.. ...- <br />discharged through a series of springs and seeps near the mouth of Sinbad <br />Valley. <br /> <br />The BLM initiated a feasibility report for the interception and <br />disposal of these saline waters during fiscal year 1982 and prepared a report <br />on Sinbad Valley in April 1983. This report recommended that lead <br />responsibility and funding be assumed by Reclamation. <br /> <br />Six appraisal level alternatives for the Sinbad valley Salinity <br />Study were developed. The cost effectiveness of the three most attractive <br />alternatives ranged from $65 to $69 per ton reduction at Imperial Dam. Before <br />a preferred alternative can be selected, an environmental assessment needs to <br />be completed. Sewemup Mesa, located immediately east of Sinbad valley, is a <br />wilderness study area and is also proposed as an outstanding Natural Area in <br />the Resource Management Plan. The area has high visual sensitivity, both <br />onsite and along a powerline alignment, and has Peregrine falcons nesting in <br />it. <br /> <br />VII-29 <br />