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<br />0:1560 <br /> <br />PROBLEM AND OPPORTUNITY IDENTIFICATION <br /> <br />This section identifies the types of problems which exist in <br />the watershed. The problem areas are identified and the extent <br />of the problems within each area are quantified. Potential <br />opportunities to improve the quality of life and enhance <br />environmental values will also be discussed. <br /> <br />The problems within the watershed include the following: <br /> <br />SEDIMENTATION OF TRINIDAD LAKE <br /> <br />The average annual sediment loading from the project area <br />reduces the amount of active storage in Trinidad Lake by <br />166 Ac. Ft. annually. <br /> <br />The reduced recreational value of Trinidad Lake and the <br />surrounding area due to erosion and sedimentation. The <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) stated that the <br />effects of silt load and turbidity on the fishery can be <br />varied. Heavy silt loads during spawning can affect egg <br />viability. siltation and turbidity can adversely affect <br />water temperatures for salmonoids. Loss of habitat is a <br />key affect of siltation. The prevention of any <br />degradation of the fishery at Trinidad Lake from <br />sedimentation can be very important economically to the <br />Trinidad area. <br /> <br />WATER QUALITY IMPAIRMENT FROM SEDIMENT LOADING <br /> <br />The decrease in water quality in Trinidad Lake. The <br />Colorado Non-point Assessment Report identified drainages <br />found in the Trinidad Lake North Watershed to be major <br />contributors of sediment and heavy metals to the <br />Purgatoire River, which is the major source of water for <br />Trinidad Lake. The total lead and chromium concentrations <br />within the river reach impacted by this watershed exceed <br />water supply standards by several magnitudes. The limits <br />for agriculture are exceeded by lead, manganese, and <br />copper. Aquatic life values are exceeded for total iron, <br />zinc, nickel, lead, mercury, manganese, and cadmium. The <br />total metals concentrations are many times the standards <br />for iron, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. The previously <br />mentioned heavy metals are transported along with sediment <br />to Trinidad Lake. <br /> <br />DEGRADATION OF RESOURCE BASE FROM WATER EROSION <br /> <br />Lack of adequate cover to protect the land from erosion. <br /> <br />The loss in productivity on the range, pasture, and <br />grazeable woodlands from erosion. <br /> <br />13 <br /> <br />