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I . 9 The effect of oil shale development on water relates to not only the source of supply but to the quality of the water as well. Sources of water include both ground and surface water. The Piceance Creek Basin is known to contain substantial quantities of fresh and saline ground water that could be utilized for development. The prototype program has been designed to fully evaluate the effects of water production, leaching effects from drainage water of disposal sites, and the disposal of waste waters. Even though significant quantities of water would be required for the prototype development program, this fact should not significantly affect the quality of the water in the Colorado River System. . A mature 1 million bId industry has been estimated to require from 121 to 189 thousand acre feet of water annually. . The magnitude of the difference between these estimates is due primarily to the inability at this time to fully evaluate the water requirements for mine waste disposal or upgrading of products. Methods of handling these problems can only be fully evaluated with development. Mature development with all water require- ments supplied from the Colorado River System could increase the salinity of the water at Hoover Dam by 15 mglliter or 1.5 percent, due to the consumptive use of better quality water in the upper basin. The effects of accidental mishaps, flooding and ground water utilization are evaluated in the report. '.MUnicipal waste from sewage or powerplants could pose a problem if proper pre- cautions were not enforced for the increased urban development. ,I I , i .i , , I II I t I i . The effect on air quality from the prototype program would be expected to be local in character. There would be a reduction in air clarity and visibility in the area. Potential inversions of.about 20 days per year for the region could create some effects on vegetation and wildlife in the area, but would be of short duration. All Federal, State and local air quality regulations would have to be met. Current technology indicates that these standards can be satisfied, except that yet to be determined are the new non-degradation requirements and whether any major industrial development can be undertaken for standards that have not been established. Those requirements could limit the size or prevent development. I 'I II I I II During the prototype program, effects on wildlife would be created primarily by the impact of an influx of more people into the area,. including the demands of the increased population for recreational activities such as off-road vehicle driving, hunting or fishing. Some losses from eliminated grazing or forage might occur from prototype development and in a few cases endangered wildlife species may be displaced. A mature industry would have a significantly greater impact on wildlife resources. As an example, it has been estimated that it would reduce deer populations in some areas by as much as 10 percent. PROTOTYPE OIL SHALE LEASING PROGRAM--AUGUST 1973 pro~ram Objectives: The prototype program is designed to stimulate private industry to pro- duce commercial quantities of oil from shale, insure the environmental integri~y of the area is maintained, develop methods and technology for the protection of the environment, permit an equitable return for all parties, and develop leasing management expertise for oil shale production. Additional commercial scale leasing will not be considered until the environmental effects from development are evaluated. 0233 "