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<br />contro 1, as requi red by Sect ion 303 of the Cl ean Water Act. These revi- <br />sions recommended no change in numeric criteria and only minor changes in <br />the plan of implementation, which consists of a number of Federal and <br />non-Federal projects and measures to maintain the flow-weighted average <br />annual salinity in the lower main river at or below the recommended numeric <br />criteria through 1995, while the Basin States continue to develop their <br />compact-apportioned waters. <br /> <br />The Colorado River is an interstate and international stream, with most of <br />its drainage area owned or controlled by the Federal Government. The heart <br />of the implementation plan lies with the Federal salinity control program <br />identified in Title II of Public Law 93-320, and in our national interests, <br />as well as in the relations with Mexico, all of which require the implemen- <br />tation of that program. <br /> <br />PROGRAM EVALUATION <br /> <br />The CRWQIP was initiated in 1971, with the comprehensive planning investi- <br />gat ions focused on potential sal i n.ity control and water management mea- <br />sures. The Basinwide pl anning effort was designed not only to evaluate <br />individual unit feasibility but also to provide an overview of relation- <br />ships between individual control units, to assess implications of new <br />technology, and to develop alternative, cost-effective control strategies. <br /> <br />Since 1971, appraisal and feasibility level studies have probed the <br />opportunities, problems, and constraints involved in the control of the <br />17 identified point, diffuse, and irrigation salinity sources in the Basin. <br />This unique study program has developed its own "learning curve," providing <br />new insight into technical, economic, environmental, regulatory, and legal <br />and institutional concerns that strongly influence implementation. <br /> <br />Technical Feasibility <br /> <br />The measures currently under evaluation for salinity control may be cate- <br />gorized as follows: <br /> <br />1. Point Source Control. - Involves salt removal from springs, wells, <br />and geysers by structur al techniques such as pretreatment, desalt ing, <br />evaporation ponds, well plugging, deep well injection, or diversion for <br />special use. <br /> <br />2. Diffuse Source Control. - Involves natural salt loading or concen- <br />trating effects derived from large areas. Control measures include land <br />use management, collection, desalting, evaporation ponds, treatment for <br />special use, or export. <br /> <br />3. Irrigation Source Control. - Involves reducing salt loading from <br />irrigated agricultural lands by improvements in onfarm irrigation effi- <br />ciency and lining of canals and laterals. <br /> <br />10 <br />