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II. PLAN FORMULATION In meeting the requirements of the Principles and Standards, a number of alternative plans were considered for controlling the salt loading at La Verkin Springs. The plans consisted basically of: (1) Collection and total evaporation of the spring discharge, (2) Collection and deep well injection of the spring discharge, (3) Collection and desalting of the spring discharge, (4) Interception of the recharge source of La Verkin Springs' water, (5) Industrial use of La Verkin Springs I water, and (6) No action. On the basis of the evaluations performed to date, plan formula- tion indicated that the most suitable alternative would consist of interception and desalting of the springflows; subsequently, feasi- bility designs and cost estimates were prepared for this alternative. La Verkin Springs contribute approximately 109,000 tons of salt and 8,300 acre-feet of water annually to the Colorado River system. The proposed plan would eliminate 95 percent, or 103,000 tons of salt loading annually. The desalting process would consume 27 perc.:~ItLQr 3 --- 3.2 ft Is of spring water as brine waste, (equivalent to 2,300 acre- ,,-, _._ _'_H.""" ._ fe~t . per year) which would need to be accommodated by purchase of necessary water rights due to downstream water commitments. The quality of the product water would be about 284 mglL versus the present average salinity of 9,650 mg/L for the spring water. The physical features of the plan are shown in Figure 2 and are described below. It should be noted that because of its cost, the plan is not recommended for authorization and further studies are in progress on alternatives to reduce costs, as described in subsequent chapters of this report. A. Plan Features 1. Upper Diversion Structure. This diversion structure would be located on the Virgin River immediately upstream from the OC25:6 8