| OCR Text |
Show transbasin diversions. Because of this, in order to achieve the recommendations cited by the 1972 Colorado River Enforcement Conference ( refer to section ^ c( 2) of the Environmental Impact Statement), an investigative program was instituted and is now underway for the improvement of the quality of the Colorado River waters. The investigation and possible implementation of this program is chiefly the responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation with other agencies cooperating. The program, entitled " Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program," has as its objective to investigate various means to accomplish the goal of maintaining salinity concentrations at or below levels presently found in the lower main stem of the Colorado River. The salinity problem is thus to be treated as a basinwide problem which, when solved, would offset salt concentration increases arising from the Bonneville Unit or other similar- type projects. The factors to be considered in this program include ( l) consequences of various salinity levels, ( 2) evaluation of salinity sources, ( 3) kinds of salinity control actions required, ( k) economic viability of proposed control actions, ( 5) public acceptance and commitment to the proposals, including appropriate cost sharing arrangements, ( 6) potential impacts of evolving technology, and ( 7) relationships withi a basinwide management plan. Some temporary water pollution from Unit construction activities would occur. Siltation of streams could cause damage to fish and their habitat. Increased recreational use of the Unit features would also be a potential source of water pollution unless adequate sanitation facilities are provided and maintained. Preventive and corrective action would be taken as necessary to insure that wastes generated by the Unit would be minimized and not cause concentrations exceeding the State water quality standards. m. Air Quality The immediate and localized effect of the Unit on the quality of air would be in connection with construction activities. Noise and dust from construction activities would have a direct temporary impact on the adjacent areas. The effects that increased noise levels would have on wildlife have been discussed previously in this section. Some increase in noise level would also be expected along the Wasatch Front area due to construction activities and the operation of Unit facilities such as powerplants and pumping plants. Secondary effects would include a possible degradation of air quality due to sustained and increased industrialization as well as from a larger resident population. Also as a result of the Unit, more vehicles carrying recreationists would enter and leave the areas adjacent to Unit reservoirs. The potential degradation 400 |
