Laserfiche WebLink
<br />1-4 <br />o <br />en <br />v) <br /> <br />In looking to the future, the salinity impacts of the recom- <br />mended plan can be compared witq the no action/no control <br />scenario. In the near term, due to long construction <br />periods and natural lag times in the river system, the <br />potential reduction of salinity is not significant. The <br />real program payoff appears after 1995 when the recommended <br />plan maintains the TDS at Imperial Dam below the standard to <br />the year 2010. Any long-term program capability in terms of <br />maintaining of salinity below the standard also provides <br />some cushion or insurance, should any individual project <br />fail to reduce salt loading as planned. <br /> <br />The least cost investment computer model developed by <br />Reclamation and Colorado State University was used to <br />evaluate project investment levels. This model initially <br />determines the optimal combination of projects and construc- <br />tion timing to meet salt load reduction goals at minimum <br />investment levels. The investment level, modified to meet <br />program needs and continuity, results in an investment level <br />for the selected schedule of $498 million. (See figure 2.) <br /> <br />The model is driven by the overall cost of the total con- <br />struction and implementation schedule. Cost-effectiveness <br />($/ton) is an important factor in selecting the projects to <br />implement (as directed in Public Law 98-569), but it is not <br />the only consideration in the development of an implemen- <br />tation schedule. The basinwide program must consider the <br />uncertainties of implementation in the technical, social, <br />political, institutional, and legal arenas. Local concerns <br />and needs, management of irrigation systems, and regional <br />impacts are involved in the final selection of an implemen- <br />tation schedule. <br /> <br />The analysis is based on current data. Annual review is <br />required to update project data, review the program objec- <br />tives to determine if they deviate significantly, and <br />confirm the validity that the investment level of approxima- <br />tely $498 million will satisfy the program objectives. As <br />evidenced by past program activities, long lead times are <br />required for project planning and implementation, and con- <br />struction costs continue to increase. To minimize program <br />costs and to avoid increased inflation expenses program <br />planning, implementation schedules, and funding levels <br />should be consistent with the recommended plan. Construc- <br />tion should not be delayed because high flows for the past <br />few years have temporarily lowered salinity levelS in the <br />system. Any delay would impact program continuity and <br /> <br />3 <br />