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<br />.:.. <br /> <br />.... <br /> <br />Parker Dam. and at Imperial Dam. <br />stations are 723 mg/L, 747 mg/L, <br /> <br />The numeric criteria for those three <br />and 879 mg/L. respectively. <br /> <br />.... <br />'^' <br />1'0 <br /> <br />Although the numeric criteria have not been exceeded since the Forum <br />adopted its policy, it is anticipated that without salinity control measures, <br />as the States continue to develop their compact-apportioned water supply, the <br />criteria will be exceeded. Therefore, the seven States. working collectively <br />~ithin the auspices of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, have <br />from time to time adopted additional policies to help facilitate the control <br />of the salinity in the Basin. In 1977, the Forum adopted the "policy for <br />Implementation of Colorado River Salinity Standards Through the NPDES Permit <br />Program." The policy deals with both industrial and municipal discharges to <br />the river system. With respect to effluent limitations for industrial <br />discharges, the stated objective is no salt return to the river wherever <br />practicable. The policy with respect to municipal discharges is that the <br />incremental increase in salinity shall be 400 mg/L or less than the average <br />salinity of the intake water supply. This policy is being implemented through <br />the NPDES permit program. <br /> <br />In 1980. the Forum adopted a policy encouraging the use of brackish <br />and/or saline waters for industrial purposes. This use of saline waters by <br />industry combined with the no salt discharge policy will reduce the salt load <br />to the river system. <br /> <br />In October 1982, the Forum adopted a policy concerning intercepted ground <br />water. The 1982 policy more clearly defines those aspects dealing with <br />intercepted ground water addressed under the 1977 policy. The NPDES permit <br />program is used to facilitate the 1977 and 1982 policies. There is a separate <br />NPDES permit program in each of the States, with authority derived from the <br />Federal Clean Water Act, Public Law 92-500. A brief status report as to the <br />program in each of the States follows. <br /> <br />Arizona.--The authority for issuing NPDES permits has not been delegated <br />to the State and still resides in the Region IX office of EPA. CUrrently, the <br />State prepares the permits. solicits public comments and involvement, and <br />forwards a final draft of proposed permits to EPA for signature and issuance. <br />For waters tributary to the Colorado River above Imperial Dam. there are three <br />industrial discharge permits now issued by the State of Arizona. There are <br />also 31 municipalities or quasi-public NPDES permittees in the watersheds of <br />Arizona above Imperial Dam. <br /> <br />California.--California has authority to issue NPDES permits. In recent <br />years there have been no applications for industrial discharge permits in the <br />Colorado River drainage in California. Only one municipality in the drainage <br />area has been reissued a municipal discharge permit in recent years. This <br />permit is consistent with Forum policy. <br /> <br />Colorado.--Colorado has the authority to issue NPDES permits. There are <br />333 permits in the Colorado River Basin portion of the State. Most of these <br />dre for minor municipal or industrial facilities. Of these 333 permits, 13 <br />are major or significant industrial permits and 21 are major or significant <br />municipal permits. <br /> <br />All new or reissued permits have been brought into compliance with the <br />Water Quality Control Commission regulation for implementation of the Colorado <br />River salinity standards. This is being accomplished through the discharge <br /> <br />VII-32 <br />