OCR Text |
Show calling the Conference was a problem of radioactive material in the Colorado River and its tributaries caused by the operations of various uranium processing mills in the Upper Basin. At the Fourth Conference held in LaJolla, California May 27, 1963 it was reported that so far as radioactive pollution is concerned, the Colorado River is in excellent shape. It was readily apparent that this Conference intends to investigate the salinity problem on the Colorado River in its totality. As a part of this program attempts will be made to* evaluate the economic worth of water uses and to establish criteria for the evaluation of various water uses with relationship to their pollution contribution. Apparently these criteria would be used by the Conference for the purpose of suggesting the course of total development of the river system. Lees Ferry Gaging Stations The Commission wrote to Mr. Thomas B. Nolan, Director of the U. S. Geological Survey, expressing its interest in the stream-gaging stations on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry and Grand Canyon, Arizona, and on the Paria River at Lees Ferry. These stations are of such great importance to all seven States of the Basin that the stream gaging equipment should be the best designed to provide stream flow measurements of the highest degree of accuracy obtainable, and the attendant's quarters and other necessary appurtenances should be modern and of good enough quality to be comfortable and conducive to keeping good personnel on the job in such isolated locations. The reply from Director Nolan expressed thanks for the Commission's interest in the gaging stations and stated that the Survey was developing firm plans and would budget for the necessary work during the Fiscal Year starting July 1964, but that an earlier start on upgrading the stations would be made if funds became available sooner. "Wild Rivers" In 1961 the Senate Select Committee on National Water Resources recommended that "certain streams be preserved in their free-flowing condition because their natural scenic, scientific, aesthetic, and recreational values outweigh their value for water development and control purposes now and in the future." Since that 28 |