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<br />..~ ..... "'( . ',) <br /> <br />FOREWORD <br /> <br />The American public ha" been concerned with the enhancement and protec- <br />tion of the environment at minimal social costs, particularly with respect to <br />development and use of the Nation's energy resources. Suhst.antial investments <br />made during recent years to protect and improve air and water quality are being <br />evaluated critically for effectiveness and social desirability. A review of existing <br />and pending legislation which establishes acceptable National goal" for en. <br />vironmental protection (including air- and water-quality standards and land-use <br />planning) indicates a trend in setting more realistic goals in response to changing <br />policies on economic development and energy consumption. <br />The Yampa River basin assessment is one of a series of multidisciplinary <br />studies supported by the U,S, Geological Survey. The intent of these studies is to <br />determine the types and fomlS of hydrologic, geologic, and other information <br />lIseful to decisi()n~making at Federal, State, and local levels in analyses of <br />policie" affecting development and use of natural resources. <br />Decisions affecting policy of energy-resource development need to consider the <br />environmental, social, and economic impacts of such development. Expanded <br />energy-resource development will lead to increased generation and discharge of <br />re"idual waste material" to the land, to surface and ground waters, and into the <br />air. Through modification or treatment, some residual wastes having no <br />economic value may be converted to commercial by products of economic value. <br />Discharge of residuals generally will have some impact on environmental quality. <br />Any plan to modify or reduce these discharges may affect the basin's water <br />resources, in t.erms of water withdrawals, water consumption, and assimilative <br />capacity. Planning for the development and management of the natural <br />resources of the Yampa River basin is needed in the context of these uncertain- <br />ties. <br />This report summarizes several studies conducted to evaluate the water- <br />resources related consequences of various alternative proposals for energy- <br />resource development in the Yampa River basin, primarily in terms of increased <br />mining and conversion of near-surface coal. The intended audience of thh;; report <br />include:; those regional and basin planners and managers, involved in areas of ex- <br />panding enerKY development. who are concerned with water use and environmenw <br />tal impacts. <br /> <br />PHILIP COHEN <br />Chief Hydrologist <br />