WSP04506

• File Number: 8272.100.60
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 5/1/1987
• Author: CRBSCF
• Title: Proposed Report on the 1987 Review - Water Quality Standards for Salinity - Colorado River System
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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salinity control program for the Green River Basin as a
W major water quality priority. The report recommends
en continuation of the Big Sandy River Unit Study, improvement
~ of irrigation efficiencies, and further study of a number
O? of other management alternatives. Salinity control
features for the Big Sandy River are being evaluated by
the 8CS. The 8CS has completed their selected plan
outlining the on farm salinity cont'rol ill!plementation
program. A draft EIS has been prepared. The state
strongly encourages and supports the current ,SCSefforts in
the Big Sandy River Unit.
The Statewide Water Quality Management Plan
establishes an inatitutional framework under which planning
and implementation activities can proceed in Wyoming.
t"mplementation of much of the program depends on the
availability,of funds and the acceptance of
responsibili~ies by the designated management agencies.
Management agency agreements have been developed and are
presently being implemented with the BLM, State Engineer,
and the Wyoming Conservation Commission. '
Education and Public Involvement
The Basinwide nature of salinity increases the need
for effective public education and public involvement
programs. Further, implementation of salinity control
programs requ~res a greater awareness of salinitY--its
sources, impacts, and alternative methods of control. The
seven Basin states have and will continue to work with
concerned agencies to increase public understanding of
salinity and will coordinate this effort with the Forum.
The Forum's Annual Progress Reports are a component of this
educational effort and are distributed to interested
individuals and organizations.
Since irrigation is the principal human-induced source
of salinity, a major thrust of the public education/public
involvement effort focuses on educating irrigators as to
the sources, impacts, and methods of controlling salini t~.
as it relates to irrigation practices. The goal of this
effort is to encourage desirable changes in application of
technology and management ,practices. The Basin states work
with ongoing efforts (Water Quality Management Programs,
SCS, and Cooperative Extension Service) to achieve this
goal, and assistance from the Executive Director of the
Forum: is available. The plan formulation phase of
Reclamation, SCS, and BLM salinity control projects is
providing an excellent opportunity for public education on
Colorado River salinity.
The Forum meetings are open to the public, and all
input is considered and acted on as appropriate. The Forum
also provides for public involvement in the standards
review process. The Forum, as part of the review process,
holds public meetings to receive comments on the standards
for salinity. As a result of such public input,
appropriate changes are made.