WSP05341

• File Number: 8278.100
• Description: Title I - Yuma Desalting Plant
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 12/23/1992
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Yuma Desalting Plant - Alternatives for the Interim Period
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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collapse and extend broader regional impacts from the cessation of WMIDD
farm income flowing into the economy.

Regional impacts would include the lost income from the 17,100 acres
taken out of production plus additional income dependent on that
production. Therefore, if the Government paid any of the costs and such
payments remained in the region, then such payments would be
compensatory for the regional income lost (although there would be a
different group of recipients).

The cost. estimated would depend upon which cost elements are assumed.
For example, if the Government would have to purchase land, incur its
other potential obligations, and reimburse for on-farm impacts when more
than 25 percent of the land is purchased, but would not be obligated for
community impacts until 50 percent of the land was purchased, the cost
of purchasing 17,100 acres would be $177.0 million. This alternative
would have an annualized cost of $13.6 million and would fulfill
a delivery requirement comparable to full-scale operation of the
Desalting Plant at a cost of just under $173 per acre-foot. Additional
cost of $1.3 million per year would need to be included for maintaining
the Desalting Plant in a shutdown mode.

Should this alternative be pursued, the following activities would need
to be undertaken:

- Environmental Analysis
Develop Environmental Assessment
May require full Environmental Impact Statement
Mitigation Plans
- Public Involvement Program
- Social and Economic Investigations
- land Appraisals

PROS:

Cost

The primary advantage of this alternative is the reduced cost.
Operation and maintenance costs would be $3.7 million for the first
year, and $1.3 million per year thereafter. WHIDD buy-out would cost
$13.6 million per year. Total annual cost would be $14.9 million per
year.after the interim period ends.

Some Impact on Santa Clara Slough

Bypass drainage of 97,000 af per year would continue, and impacts to the
Slough would need to be evaluated.

Uncertain Risks to States Water Supply

While it is clear that water belonging to the Basin States is being
allowed to be bypassed and lost, it is not clear that this loss will
cause harm or that conserving this loss will significantly increase
Colorado River water supplies. As the Upper Basin has yet to fully
develop, overall water supply demands continue to be less than the 10ng-

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