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<br /> <br />t...., <br />(H <br />CO <br />v) <br /> <br />significant amount of loading from this area appears to be <br />contributed by natural sources due to the large drainage <br />area underlain by Mancos shale soils. In addition, salts <br />are added from abandoned gas and oil exploration wells. <br />Although studies in the North Fork area are in the <br />early stages, an estimated 480,000 tons of salt per year <br />are believed to be contributed from this area. Preliminary <br />salinity control concepts to be considered include <br />selectively lining canals and laterals and providing piped <br />winter stock water rather than operating canals and <br />laterals year-round. The concept of providing piped winter <br />stock water is similar to the plan developed for Stage I <br />Winter Water of the Uncompahgre area which is ready for <br />construction. Other concepts will be also be considered as <br />the investigation proceeds. <br />Big Sandy River (Reclamation and USDA). The Big Sandy <br />River begins_in the Wind River Mountains of southwestern <br />Wyoming wher~ the salt content of the water is very low. <br />Below Big Sahdy Dam, the river i's diverted to irrigate <br />lands in the Eden Project. Irrigation seepage into shallow <br />aquifers near the river ~re the source of saline seeps. <br />These seeps and springs below the Eden Project contribute <br />~boutl16,OOO tons of salt, and tributaries contribute <br />about 48,000 tons of salt annually to the Green River. <br />Studies indicate that the saline water could be intercepted <br />before seeping into the river. <br />The Stafe of W~'onlJng has ,been involved in the stud~' <br />from the beginning and has provided information, guidance, <br />and funding. It has also supported further funding for <br />advance planning studies. <br />Early Reclamation studies considered the use of saline <br />water for industrial purposes; however, these alternatives <br />did not prove to be viable. Studies of alternatives <br />calling for the lining of some currently unlined canals in <br />the Eden Project area showed that selective canal lining is <br />not cost effective, Reclamation will prepare a Planning <br />Report and conclude all studies at this time, <br />SCS completed a separate salinity control report in <br />1986 that recommends converting the existing onfarm gravity <br />irrigation systems to low-head sprinkler irrigation <br />systems. A low pressure sprinkler system alternative is <br />cost effective for the 15,000 irrigated acres. <br />Supplemental, low interest loans for the farmers to cover <br />-30 percent cost sharing from local sources will be needed. <br />The State of Wyoming has a program to provide local farmers <br />with such assistance. <br />A Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been <br />completed and is undergoing interagency review. The final <br />statement is expected to be completed later this year. <br />McElmo Creek/Dolores Project <Reclamation and USDA). <br />Early studies in the McElmo Creek Basin in southwestern <br />Colorado show that salt loading results from both <br />irrigation and other nonpoint sources, with irrigation <br />being the main contributor. <br /> <br />-35- <br />