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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As in 1978, the plan of implementation was reviewed and modified to
reflect changes that have occurred since 1978. The principal
components of the plan are:

1. Prompt construction by the Department of the Interior of
two salinity control units authorized by Section 202,
Title II of P.L. 93-320, namely the Paradox Valley and
Grand Valley Units.

2. Expeditious authorization and construction by the
Department of the Interior of the Meeker Dome Unit and
10 of the units listed in Section 203(a)(1), Title II of
P.L. 93-320, or their equivalents after receipt of
favorable planning reports,

3. Expeditious implementation by the Department of
Agriculture of onfarm and related improvement measures
for salinity control.

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4. Implementation of salinity control measures by the BLM to
reduce salt contribution from public domain lands.

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5. The placing of effluent limitations, principally under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit program, provided for in "Section 402 of the Clean
Water Act of 1977" on industrial and municipal discharges
based on the Forum's 1977 policy on salinity control
through the NPDES permits.

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6. Implementation of the 1980 Forum policy for the use of
brackish and/or saline waters for industrial purposes.

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7. Inclusion of the "208 Water Quality Management Plans."
Individually, the Basin states have developed water
quality management plans to conform to the requirements of
"Section 208 of the Clean Water Act." The water quality
management planning process is continuing. As the plans
are redefined or new elements added and after such changes
have been adopted by the states and approved by EPA, those
portions of the plans dealing with salinity control will
become part of the implementation plan.

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Big Sandy River Unit

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Prior to the introduction of irrigation, small springs along the Big Sandy
River were observed by early ranchers. These springs produced minimal
amounts of water and salt from the underground aquifer, However, due to
irrigation and resulting deep percolation, additional water is being
transported through the underground aquifer and out of newly developed
and enlarged existing springs into the Big Sandy River. Table 2-4
(Chapter 2) shows the 18-year (1960 through 1977) water budget
tabulation.

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