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Show CUP foes ask for new cost evaluation By Andrea Granum Deseret News correspondent FORT DUCHESNE, Uintah County - Opponents of the proposed Uintah Unit of the Central Utah Project questioned the need for the project, asked for complete cost studies and maps of existing and proposed roads in the wilderness area, and brought up the subject of dam safety at a public hearing Thursday at Bottle Hollow Convention Center. Backers said that the state has been behind the project since the Colorado River Storage Act was initiated in 1956, that the salinity issue is negligible compared to the socio-economic advantages, and that there is no feasible alternative to the plan. About 55 citizens attended the hearing to discuss the draft Environmetal Impact Statement on the project. Daniel F. Lawrece, director of the State Division of Water Resources, said every effort should be made to protect the state's water rights as outlined in the 1922 compact of the Upper Basin states. He said the Uintah Unit was recognized as a future project when the Colorado River Storage Act was initiated and the unit suthorized in 1968. A statememt was read from Sen. Jake Gam. R-Utah, calling for the "rapid and orderly completion of the Central Utah Project." Uintah County Commissioner Neal Dom-gaard and Jerry Sym, Roosevelt City Council administrative representative, said they feel more water must be allocated from the Uintah Unit for future needs of the city and county. They said they think the draft's estimate of a 6.350 increase in population in the Roosevelt area by 1995 is low. They said city and county studies show an increase of more than 10,000. due to the energy crisis in America and development of resources in the Uintah Basin. Lawrence Y. Sidoway. representing the Uintah Water Conservancy Dietrict, said the district is in full support of the report and the project. He said there is no feasible alterative to the plan. But he did request that the final draft be changed to read that in the course of excavation, historical areas would not be disturbed. Brian Beard, representing the Sierra Club, challenged the environmental statement and said the club believes the proposed reservoirs on the Uintah and Whiterocks rivers will seriously endanger the environment of the Uintas. He called for a detailed map of existing and proposed roads in the wilderness area and a detailed plan of excavation techniques and how equipment will be brought into the area. He also asked for a complete list of all plants, animals and insects at the proposed sites. Dorothy Harvey, representing Citizens For A Responsible CUP, cited studies which indicate the lack of need for the project. One study indicated the Wasatch Front will not suffer any water handicap until the year 2095. Mrs. Harvey said proper water management, the lining of ditches and discontinuation of irrigation on poor soils would do away with the necessity of the water projects. She asked that tHe final draft show a cost study of all administrative costs as well as construction costs. She said a study should be made to show exactly what water users will be charged for the water. Lillian Hays, a former resident of the Uintah Basin, brought up the subject of dam safety. She cited a geological study made in 1967 stating that the proposed reservoir site in Whiterocks Canyon is "neither geologically nor topographically attractive." The report said there would be too much seepage through the abutment, and piping would be a problem. Mrs. Hays said piping was a major factor in the Teton Dam tragedy. Deadline for written comments on the project is Sept. 5. They may be sent to Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, P. O. Box 11568, Salt Lake-City, Utah 84147. |
