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<br />With respect to the economic dimensions, the damages <br />and benefits have not been fully evaluated. A major <br />study effort in this area is now underway. The data <br />used in determining the benefits in the status report <br />show a wide range in the salinity damage estimates. <br />The value used in evaluating the benefits of the <br />alternatives in this report represents the best single <br />estimate to date but needs verification and/or <br />improvement through continuing analysis. As <br />e con om i cally viable alternatives are identified, <br />important legal questions are expected to arise. An <br />evaluation of the institutional and legal setting <br />impacting on salinity control in the Colorado River <br />Basin is nearing completion. <br /> <br />Another major investigative area involves identifying <br />acceptable salinity levels. Under provisions of Public <br />Law 92-500 (1972 Amendments to the Federal Water <br />Pollution Control Act), the Environmental Protection <br />Agency has initiated action toward establishment of <br />salinity standards for the Colorado River System. <br />Salinity standards may well be based upon information <br />on the economic costs of salinity and the economic <br /> <br />viability of attaining salinity reduction. As a result of <br />the Enforcement Conference, priority was given to <br />accelerating the investigations at LaVerkin Springs, <br />Paradox Valley, Grand Valley, Las Vegas Wash, and <br />Crystal Geyser. The basin states have stressed that the <br />efficacy of projects such as these in controlling salinity <br />needs to be proved as part of the standard-setting <br />process. More detailed information is thus needed on <br />the sources and behavior of salts in the geochemical <br />cycle of the Basin to help assure meaningful standards. <br /> <br />In 'Summary, this status report is intended to be used <br />for information purposes only, and to indicate the <br />incomplete nature of various alternatives. Considerable <br />work remains to be done over the remaining 8 years of <br />this 10-year program. The investigations are yet to <br />disclose the desirable salinity level, an equitable <br />cost-sharing arrangement, river management and <br />operational procedures, and the feasibility and <br />prioritization of potential salinity control measures. It <br />is hoped that concerned State, local, and Federal <br />entities will analyze findings and provide helpful <br />guidance in the continuing prosecution of the program. <br /> <br />I, <br /> <br />2 <br />