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Show sedimentation, or result in reduced soil productivity or otherwise degrade water quality. Water yields can also be affected as a result of a well- planned timber harvest. Potential increases may approach one- half acre- foot per acre for some treated areas, but multiple- use considerations and specific on- site conditions may limit actual increases. Special Use Authorization - Construction and operation of reservoirs, conveyance ditches, hydropower facilities and other water resources developments require special use authorization and usually an annual fee. Authorization contains conditions necessary to protect all other resource uses. Coordination of water developments by others require communication early in the planning process to guarantee environmental concerns are addressed. 16.3.10 Geological Survey The U. S. Geological Survey ( USGS) is mainly a data collection and research agency. Through its Water Resources Division, it investigates the occurrence, quantity, distribution and movement of surface water and groundwater and coordinates federal water data acquisition activities. The USGS performs continuing programs in cooperation ( cost sharing) with various state and local agencies. These include water quality and water level changes in the groundwater, as well as surface water stream gages that are monitored and evaluated. A new program which started in 1996 is the Great Salt Lake National Water Quality Assessment ( NAWQA) Study. The program is entirely funded by the federal government and includes the drainage basins of the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers. The long- term goals of the NAWQA program are to describe the status of and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the nation's surface and groundwater resources. The program is intended to produce a wealth of water- quality information that will be useful to policy makers and managers at the federal, state, and local levels. 16.3.11 Natural Resources Conservation Service Formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS) has been, and continues to be, a service agency providing technical and financial assistance to the agricultural industry. NRCS projects do not have to be approved by Congress, and are provided for by the Soil and Domestic Allotment Act of 1935. This act calls for the development and implementation of a continuing program of soil and water conservation on all lands, regardless of ownership. Over the years, additional programs have been added. The NRCS snow survey program in the basin provides for and coordinates surveys and prepares forecasts of seasonal water supplies. This is a cooperative program with state and other federal agencies for the benefit of water users. The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( Public Law 83- 566), as amended, gives primary responsibility to NRCS for small, upstream watershed activities. There is a published soil survey report covering most of Salt Lake Valley. 16.3.12 Rural Development Rural Development, through the Rural Utilities Service, is authorized to provide financial assistance for water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 10,000 people. Priority is given to public entities in areas smaller than 5,500 people to restore, improve or enlarge a water facility. To be eligible for loan and grant funds, water waste disposal systems must be consistent with state or subdivision development plans and regulation. Loans for RC& D projects are also available. 16.4 Prospects for Future Federal Involvement Federal programs most significant to the Jordan River Basin in the immediate future are the following: ( 1) The Central Utah Project ( CUP) completion, under the Central Utah Project Completion Act, not only represents a culinary water source for the Wasatch Front but includes a considerable amount of environmental mitigation funding which will be used to rehabilitate streams in the Jordan River Basin; and ( 2) the EPA's authority under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act. Further comprehensive federal studies in the Jordan River Basin and/ or participation by the BOR, COE, or NRCS in future development would be welcomed, but they do not appear likely. • 16- 5 |
