Eighteenth Annual report of the Upper Colorado River Commission

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B. LEGAL Selected Legal References In the 17th Annual Report there was reported the work of the Commission's General Counsel on a compilation entitled Selected Legal References for the Use of the Upper Colorado River Commission. During the past year this work was completed and distributed. The first annual supplement was also completed and distributed to the recipients of the original document. The first supplement covered changes made by the first session of the 89th Congress in the various laws published in the original volume. A second supplement will be prepared to cover the Second Session of the 89th Congress. A number of special memoranda have been prepared during the year covering various Bills introduced in the Congress. Particular attention was directed to the field of water quality. The Second Session of the 89th Congress has been active in this field, and the staff has maintained a close surveillance of this area. As of the date of this report no new amendment to the Water Quality Act of 1965 has been passed by the Congress. It does appear that some amending legislation will be forthcoming prior to the adjournment of the Second Session of the 89th Congress. One other item of concern should be noted, and this, too, is in the area of water quality. Under the Water Quality Act of 1965 provision was made for the establishment of water quality standards on interstate streams. Under the law the States are offered the opportunity to establish their own standards. If a State should fail to act, or, if it should act in an unacceptable manner, the Secretary of the Interior may establish the standards. Water quality standards in the Colorado River Basin can have far-reaching consequences. This being the case, the staff has paid particular attention to the activities in this area. The staff participation in this field will continue in order that the Commission can be informed of all developments. General The Commission's General Counsel and staff are continuing analyses of the Colorado River Compact and other documents that constitute the "law of the river." Historical background has proved to be an important facet of this problem and one that occupies a large amount of time and research. The results of these analyses will become permanent parts of the files of the Commission. They could prove to be of great value as future legal and engineering problems are encountered involving the water resources of the Colorado River Basin. 30