WSP04626

• File Number: 8240.300.10
• Description: San Juan Recovery Implementation Program
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Date: 2/1/1995
• Author: SJRIP
• Title: San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program - Long Range Plans
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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Historical physical and chemical water quality of the San Juan River will be
characterized using data from various sources, primarily that collected by the U.S.
Geological Survey. Data gaps and informational needs regarding the type and
source of water quality degradation and contamination will be emphasized.

Recent water quality studies have indicated that elevated levels of constituent
elements and contaminants occur in the water and biota of the San Juan River.
These pollutants are primarily related to agricultural, petrochemicalJindustrial, and
municipal activities, but include a variety of other potential sources.

The biological effects of elevated constituent levels and contaminants on the
endangered fish species will be determined by laboratory studies of hatchery-reared
surrogates and, when possible, tissue analysis of wild specimens. Determination
of the importance of the relative sensitivities of endangered fish species at
different life stages will enable integration of this information with other factors
which afect survival.

The comparative effects of unregulated Animas River and reservoir-controlled flows
on selected physical-chemical water parameters in downstream reaches occupied
by endangered and other native fish species will be evaluated. Water quality
changes relative to hydrologic cycle and origin (i.e., mainstem San Juan River
versus tributaries) will be qualified and quantified and related to known life history
stage sensitivities. These data will assist in the selection of flow criteria designed
to satisfy native fish requirements and to evaluate the efficacy of reservoir-
controlled releases in providing needed environmental conditions.

4.6. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT AN INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
PROGRAM TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENDANGERED
FISH SPECIES AND THREATS TO HABITATS.

Without fail, every recovery planning document has identified the need for an
increase in public awareness concerning resource protection, conservation
(implying a certain degree of use), and, in some cases, preservation. The simple
fact that intelligent use and management of natural resources. particularly those
related to aquatic environments of the Southwestern United States, can
accommodate maintenance of native fauna and flora and consumptive use (often
ill-defined) is not well understood or perceived by the general public. This
misunderstanding or misperception has been fostered by previous efforts to focus
on the plight of a particular species or a small group of species rather than
addressing the ecosystem that the species and, coincidentally, the general public
depend upon. Thus, it is necessary to pursue appropriate public outreach programs
that emphasize the similarity of needs of endangered species and the general
public; both depend upon the same basic resource. That resource, simply put, is
water; without that resource neither the endangered fish species nor the general
public can exist in the San Juan River basin in perpetuity.

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