OCR Text |
Show It was pointed out that diversion of waters from the Uinta Basin would result in less flow in the Colorado River and an increase in its salinity. The economic impact on downstream users should be recognized. Existing studies of the salinity problem in the Upper Colorado Basin being carried out by the Bureau of Reclamation were discussed. It was pointed out that benefits resulting from this basin- wide investigation could help to offset any salinity contribution by the Unit. Water users from the central part of the State pointed out that water quality in the lower Sevier area was usually lower than that being delivered to Mexican water users through the Colorado River. Importation of Uinta Basin water to Central Utah should improve quality of flow in the Sevier River although there could be some salinity problems in the Delta area from increased irrigation return flows. Reduction of evaporation from Utah Lake should improve the quality of water in that lake as well as in the Jordan River. One speaker felt the diking of Goshen Bay would eliminate one of the main sources of silt which affects the Jordan River. It was also suggested that there should be some study of the effects of imported water on the quality of the Great Salt Lake. As an alternative to importing additional water into the Wasatch Front and central Utah, it was suggested that the existing groundwater basin could handle greater development. Conflicting studies were cited on the extent of groundwater available in Salt Lake County which should be reconciled. Concern was expressed that excessive development could result in subsurface pollution of the groundwater through infiltration from Great Salt Lake or other sources. Food control benefits were claimed for Provo River above Deer Creek Reservoir and on the Jordan River. Other streams of the Unit area would have regulated flow substituted for fluctuating natural flows. K. Power In addition to the Dyne Powerplant relocation previously discussed, it was recommended that consideration be given to constructing an afterbay reservoir below the powerplant in order to level out surges in releases from powerplant operation to the stream. These surges would present a safety problem to downstream recreation users. An alternative would be to increase the size of the Wasatch Aqueduct below the powerplant in order to handle the surges and bypass the stream completely. 640 |