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<br />C,;.). <br />CD <br />0) <br />c.o <br /> <br />Reclamation Phase I studies showed the only viable off-farm alternative in the study area <br />is canal lining and identified about 56 miles of the total 240 miles of canals and laterals in the <br />Uinta Basin that could be cost-effectively lined. Implementation of the Reclamation portion of <br />this unit would reduce the salt load to the Colorado River by an estimated 21,000 to 30,000 <br />tons/yr. <br /> <br />The fmal planning report/environmental impact statement (ElS) on the unit was tiled with <br />the EP A and released to the public in 1987. Congressional authorization of the Uinta Basin Unit <br />is needed before implementation can proceed. <br /> <br />USDA published the Uinta Basin Salinity plan in 1970 and in 1987 prepared a supplement <br />to include lateral systems. In 1991 the Uinta Basin Unit was expanded to include treatment on <br />adjacent irrigated land. The plan identifies a salt load reduction goal of 106,800 tons. The <br />USDA program includes the installation of onfarm salinity reduction practices and lining or <br />piping lateral systems. The major emphasis is conversion of inefficient surface irrigation to <br />sprinkler systems. Implementation was initiated in 1980 under existing USDA authorities, and <br />in 1987 funding became available from the Colorado River salinity control program. <br /> <br />As of September 30, 1992, a total of 1,370 annual ACP/long-term agreements and CRSC <br />contracts have been signed with farmers. Also 138 farmers, who are ready to implement salinity <br />reduction and wildlife habitat measures, have submitted applications for salinity control <br />contracts. However, contracts can be prepared and signed with only a limited number of these <br />farmers because of inadequate USDA funding. Over 605 miles of underground pipelines and <br />concrete lined ditches have been installed and 2,200 acres of land leveled. Over 1040 sprinkler <br />systems have been installed on 67,000 acres and approximately 220 surface systems have been <br />improved on 1;3,000 acres. Irrigation water management is being applied on 59,000 acres. The <br />total salt load reduction achieved through 1992 is 55,500 tons/yr. <br /> <br />Lower Gunnison Basin (Reclamation and USDA): The Lower Gunnison Basin Unit is <br />located in west-central Colorado. An estimated 360,000 tons of salt are contributed annually <br />to the Colorado River. <br /> <br />Construction of the winter water portion of the unit is designed to eliminate ditch seepage <br />during the non-irrigation season by providing a piped delivery system for livestock water. This <br />component is proceeding ahead of schedule and under budget. <br /> <br />Studies on ways to reduce the cost of a canal and lateral lining program through <br />cooperative construction agreements, cost sharing, and redesign of the delivery system to reduce <br />canal and lateral lengths have been completed. This portion of the unit is scheduled to begin <br />after the winter water improvements are completed. <br /> <br />The Lower Gunnison Basin USDA plan was prepared in 1981 and identified a salt load <br />reduction goal of 280,500 tons. The USDA program includes the application of onfarm salinity <br />reduction practices on 169,000 irrigated acres and improving off-farm irrigation laterals. <br />Implementation was initiated in 1988. <br /> <br />4-6 <br />