OCR Text |
Show Recognizing the impact of man's works on the natural environment, Congress passed a law in 1969 which, in effect, requires all Federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of their activities and recommendations. That law, known as the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190), establishes a national policy to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environ- ment, to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and stimulate the health and welfare of man; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation; and to preserve the archeological and historical resources. Insofar as practicable, the philosophy of the Act has been used in develop- ing the framework plan. Socio-economic Aspects Proper planning in implementation of social and economic programs to prevent development of urban and rural slum areas, and to facilitate reno- vation of such existing areas, is essential to maintenance and enhance- ment of the environment. Positive action in planning and implementation of programs through effective use of zoning, taxation, finance, and the like are important elements contained in the framework plan. Water Supply and Quality An adequate water supply of acceptable quality is a basic requisite to implementation of many of the Region's environmental programs. The maintenance of good water quality in the Colorado River and its tribu- taries is essential to the recreation, fish and wildlife, and the overall ecology of this major river system. Until adequate water supplies are provided by imports, the Region's water deficiency will increase. There- fore, many water needs will remain unsatisfied and some deterioration of the environment related to water is inevitable. Choices must continue to be made as to the uses of the limited water supply that would best serve regional objectives. These choices will become more difficult as water deficiencies increase. Economic efficiency alone is not an adequate meas- ure by which to make these choices and other factors such as the long- range environmental consequences must be evaluated. The early action program, consisting largely of the ongoing program, reflects the choices already made in the Region to minimize the adverse effects of a deficient water supply. However, the inadequacy of exist- ing water supplies makes it mandatory that some sacrifices must continue to be made. The continued excessive overdraft of ground water, which is inevit- able untiX an import water supply is available, also has long-range environmental consequences. The resultant land subsidence disrupts natural drainage, causes damage to structures, and may result in irrep- arable damage to the physical properties of the evacuated aquifers. 118 |