WSP05094

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 2/1/1988
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River Unit
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

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INTRODUCTION

Objectives and Scope

The overall objectives of the USDA's participation in the salinity
control study are: (1) to determine the contribution of salt loading
from the irrigated cropland and related upland range areas and (2) to
determine the opportunity for reducing salt loadings to the Big Sandy
River and the downstream river system.

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This study meets the primary objective of salinity control planning as
set forth in Public Law 93-320. Salinity control contributes to the
water quality improvement aspects of the Environmental Quality (EQ)
objectives as described in the Principles and Guidelines for planning
Water Resources published by the U.S. Water Resources Council. Public
Law 93-320 also recognizes the contributions to be made to the National
Economic Development (NED) objective since improved water quality and
water conservation have significant economic and environmental benefits.
Components of the NED and EQ objectives of this study can be specified
as follows:

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National Economic Development (NED):

1. Reduce salt loading to the Colorado River.

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2.

Improve irrigation efficiencies (reduce deep percolation).

Environmental Quality (EQ):

1. Reduce salt loading to the Colorado River.

2. Minimize effect of wildlife values foregone.

The scope of the study, which evolved through interagency participation
and public involvement, provided for the development of alternatives to
reduce salt loading from the Big Sandy River.

Alternatives

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The initial work for the Big Sandy River salinity study was done from
1977 through 1979. A USDA report was published November 1980. Copies
of this report are available for public reference and review at the Rock
Springs and Green River libraries and at the SCS office in Rock Springs.
That USDA report contains descriptions of alternatives, some of which
are summarized in this section. However, the report did not identify a
viable alternative which could be supported by the State of Wyoming, the
SCS, and the irrigators in the area. The selected alternative outlined
in this plan reaulted in further investigation by the SCS over the past
4 years. Alternatives evaluated since the 1980 report are: (1) a
low-pressure sprinkler irrigation project putting the entire
distribution system in pipe and pumping plant at the Big Sandy
Reservoir, and (2) a low-pressure sprinkler irrigation project with
individual onfarm pumping stations at the farm canal turnouts.

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