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. . o 00 N C\l o o DRAFT LC-732 February 28, 1984 LAS VEGAS WASH UNIT CRBSCP, NEVADA PLANNING PROGRESS February 1984 An October 1982 Status Report (released December 1982) presented recent study findin9s and a recommended salinity control strategy for Las Vegas Wash (Wash). The major finding of the study was that the salt loading is induced by the disposal of waste water into unlined wasteways or basins, and the seepage leaches salt from the underlying evaporite deposits. Salinity control may be realized by preventing ground water recharge from waste-water seepage by using a pipeline or channel to convey the waste-water downstream of areas subject to significant salt leaching. Reclamation has begun a verification program in the Pittman area which would monitor the ground water response to the elimination of waste water seepage from unlined ditches. Installation of a 3.5-mile Pittman Bypass Pipeline is scheduled to begin in March 1984 with completion of the pipeline in October 1984. An Environmental Assessment Report for the Pittman Verification Program was completed, and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed in May, 1983. The Environmental Assessment Report documented the insignificant impact of the 3.5-mile pipeline to convey surface waters past saline soils. This report also outlines the concept of a Vegetation Test Site which would determine and demonstrate the feasibility of establishing and maintaining native vegetation with available ground water. An effort is being made to coordinate planning of further salinity control action with plans of county and municipal governments. Several local entities have expressed opposition against a Bypass Channel proposed in the 1982 Status Report. The primary issues appear to be: (1) the possible impacts the Bypass Channel would have on the existing and proposed wetlands environment in the Wash, and (2) the possible increased sewage treatment costs resulting from reduction of treatment capability of the Wash. Other issues relate to the cost and benefits of the salinity control project. In response to local issues and recent changes in the location of salt pickup by the surface stream flow, another salinity control strategy has been identified which would reduce salt pickup by reducing ground-water flow. Development of the ground-water flow reduction strategy began in November 1983, with discussions of the concept with state and local government agencies and advisory groups. Local response has been relatively positive, primarily because sewage treatment plant effluent would not be diverted from the Wash flood plain. If the ground-water flow reduction action proves successful, a Bypass Channel would no longer be needed.