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PREPARED FOR
SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING
xA/ATER QUALITY PLANNING ASSOCIATION
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AUGUST 197-r
-------
CLEAN WATER REPORT FOR SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING
FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT
Prepared for
The Southwestern Wyoming Water Qaulity Planning Association
I
|gtg
Prepared by
CH2M HILL, INC.
12000 East 47th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80239
1978
D9524. HO
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by Region VIII, U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that
the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial
products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
-------
Eugene 6. Martin,
Chairman
P.O. Box 389 |
mrmweslern Ihpmmcj
an n inij J tsmciam
Kemmerer, Wyoming 83101 |
(307) 877-3984
August 1, 1978
Dear Members and Friends:
Transmitted herewith is a copy of the "Final Technical Report for Southwestern
Wyoming," as prepared by CH2M-H ill, Inc., Denver, Colorado.
This report is to be considered as the final plan for water quality planning
and management for Lincoln, Sweetwater, and Uinta Counties in Southwestern
Wyoming. The management plan is required by Public Law 92-500 of the Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended.
This document was widely distributed to gain imput into the recommendations
and conclusions reached in the report. A series of public hearings were
held on this report in November 1977- They were held jointly with the State
of Wyoming, Environmental Quality Council. The input from citizens and
agencies at these hearings and during subsequent review stages is appreciated
and hereby acknowledged.
S i ncerel y,
E
Cha i rman
EBMfbn
Enclosure
-------
CH2M
2SHILL
engineers
planners
economists
scientists
27 July 1978
D9524.HO
Southwestern Wyoming Water
Quality Planning Association
P.O. Box 389
Kemmerer WY 83101
Attention: Mr. Eugene B. Martin
Gentlemen:
Submitted herewith, please find the Final Technical Report in accordance
with our contract with your Association. This report includes the consul-
tant's recommended plan for water quality management. CH2M HILL will
publish a report which describes the plan adopted by the Association.
It has been enjoyable working with you during the preparation of the Final
Technical Report.
Very truly yours,
Chairman
William L. Sinclair
Project Administrator
cf
Denver Office
12000 E 47th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80239 303/371-6470
-------
CLEAN WATER REPORT FOR SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING
FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT
Prepared for
The Southwestern Wyoming Water Qaulity Planning Association
Prepared by
CH2M HILL, INC.
12000 East 47th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80239
August 1978
D9524.HO
-------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Technical Report presents a discussion of the water quality problems
in Southwestern Wyoming and a water quality management plan recommended by
the staff of the Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association
and its consultants. The plan is the result of 3 years of technical research
on the water quality needs of the area.
CH2M HILL is grateful for the technical assistance provided by the Associ-
ation staff, by the Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), and
by Nelson Engineering, Inc., in the development of the water quality manage-
ment plan. A special note of thanks is extended to Mr. Jerry Miller of the
Association staff for his work on ground water and to Mr. Barry Weand of
WRRI for his work on modeling future water quality.
CH2M HILL also would like to acknowledge those who have reviewed the interim
reports and who have contributed strongly to the political, legal, and
administrative elements of the recommended plan. Those who have been
particularly active in the review process are the Technical Advisory Com-
mittee members, Mr. Bruce Zander of the United States Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, Mr. Larry Robinson of the Wyoming Department of Environmental
Quality, Mr. Robert Schuetz and Mr. Richard Jentzsch of the Association
staff, and the local citizens who have attended the public hearings and
submitted written comments.
This report was financed through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency to the Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Associ-
ation.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES i
LIST OF FIGURES iv
Chapter
1 INTRODUCTION 1-1
WHAT IS A 208 PLAN? 1-3
Point Sources 1-4
Nonpoint Sources 1-4
The Technical Report 1-4
DESCRIPTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING
AREA 1-5
Great Divide Basin 1-5
Green River Basin Below Flaming Gorge 1-7
Bitter Creek Subbasin 1-7
Flaming Gorge Reservoir Subbasin 1-7
Green River Subbasin From Fontenelle
Dam to Town of Green River 1-7
Fontenelle Reservoir and Upstream Subbasin 1-8
Big Sandy River Subbasin 1-8
Hams Fork Subbasin 1-8
Bridger Valley Subbasin 1-8
Bear River Basin 1-8
Star Valley Area 1-9
CLIMATE 1-9
HISTORY OF THE AREA 1-9
FUTURE GROWTH OF THE AREA 1-13
MOST PRESSING WATER CONCERNS 1-13
2 WATER QUALITY CRITERIA 2-1
WATER USES IN THE STUDY AREA 2-1
COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL GOAL 2-4
EXISTING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 2-10
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CRITERIA 2-10
A Water Use Basis for Criteria 2-14
Salinity Criteria 2-14
Phosphorus Criterion 2-18
Sediment Criterion 2-21
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Chapter Pa9e
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA 2-23
Instream Criteria for Sampled Constituents 2-23
Instream Criteria for Unsampled
Constituents 2-26
GROUND WATER QUALITY CRITERIA 2-26
3 EXISTING INSTREAM WATER QUALITY 3-1
WATER QUALITY DATA 3-1
DOCUMENTED WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 3-3
MEASUREMENT OF WATER QUALITY 3-6
Maximum-Concentration Approach 3-6
Percentage-of-Time Approach 3-10
Selected Approach 3-11
SURFACE WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 3-15
Secondary Contact Recreation 3-17
Primary Contact Recreation 3-17
Stream Aesthetics 3-17
Reservoir and Lake Aesthetics 3-17
Industrial Water Supply 3-19
Agricultural Irrigation 3-19
Wildlife and Livestock Watering 3-19
Public Water Supply 3-21
Fisheries 3-21
SUMMARY OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY 3-22
GROUND WATER PROBLEMS 3-22
4 ECONOMICS OF USE IMPAIRMENT 4-1
DEFINITION OF SALINITY 4-1
COSTS OF SALINITY 4-3
Costs to Industry in the Study Area 4-3
Costs to Domestic Users in the Study Area 4-10
Benefits and Costs in the Study Area 4-10
Costs of Salinity to Users Outside Study Area 4-10
COSTS OF EUTROPHICATION TO RECREATION 4-13
Costs to the Study Area 4-13
Costs Outside the Study Area 4-18
5 CONTAMINANT SOURCES 5-1
LOADS IN SURFACE WATERS 5-1
Suspended Solids in Surface Waters 5-1
Phosphorus Loads in Surface Waters 5-5
Salinity Loads in Surface Waters 5-5
Summary of Instream Loads 5-7
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Chapter Page
DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT OF POINT
SOURCES 5-10
Mining and Industrial Discharges 5-10
Municipal and Private Treated Sewage
Discharges 5-12
Dairies and Feedlots 5-18
Stack Emissions 5-18
Springs 5-19
Nondischarging Wastewater Ponds 5-19
POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM POINT SOURCES 5-19
Phosphorus Loadings from Point Sources 5-20
Salinity Loadings from Point Sources 5-20
Other Contaminant Loadings from Point
Sources 5-22
NONPOINT SOURCES 5-26
Geologic Erosion 5-26
Overgrazing 5-32
Mining Site Erosion 5-38
Construction Site Erosion and Channelization 5-38
Agricultural Runoff 5-41
Manure Runoff 5-43
Urban Runoff 5-43
Septic Tanks . 5-44
Irrigation Return Flows 5-44
Natural Ground Water Discharge 5-46
Silviculture 5-51
Residual Wastes Disposal 5-51
Oil Spills 5-51
SUMMARY 5-51
Loading Budget for Phosphorus 5-51
Loading Budget for Salinity 5-55
Loadings of Other Contaminants 5-60
6 FUTURE WATER QUALITY 6-1
IMPACTS OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT 6-1
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS 6-3
Purpose of Scenarios 6-4
Development of Population Scenarios 6-4
Water Demands 6-6
METHOD FOR PREDICTING FUTURE WATER
QUALITY 6-10
Application of the Model 6-10
Calibration 6-14
FUTURE TDS AND SULFATE LEVELS 6-14
Future Salinity in the Green River 6-17
Future Salinity in the Colorado River at
Imperial Dam 6-20
Cost Impacts of Salinity Changes 6-20
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Chapter Page
FUTURE PHOSPHORUS AND ALCAE LEVELS 6-23
CHANGES IN OTHER POLLUTANTS 6-28
SUMMARY OF FUTURE WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 6-28
7 EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK 7-1
AUTHORITIES AT LOCAL LEVEL 7-3
Local Government 7-3
County Government 7-3
Joint Powers Boards 7-3
AUTHORITIES AT REGIONAL LEVEL 7-4
Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality
Planning Association 7-4
Colorado River Salinity Control Forum 7-4
AUTHORITIES AT STATE LEVEL 7-4
Department of Environmental Quality 7-4
The State Engineer 7-5
Department of Agriculture 7-6
State Conservation Commission 7-6
The Interdepartmental Water Conference 7-6
Department of Economic Planning and
Development 7-7
Industrial Siting Council 7-7
Recreation Commission 7-7
AUTHORITIES AT FEDERAL LEVEL 7-8
United States Environmental Protection
Agency 7-8
Farmers Home Administration 7-8
Soil Conservation Service 7-8
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service 7-8
Forest Service 7-8
Bureau of Land Management 7-9
Bureau of Reclamation 7-9
United States Geological Survey 7-9
Corps of Engineers 7-10
SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES REQUIRED OF MANAGEMENT
AGENCIES UNDER 208 7-10
CONCLUSIONS 7-12
8 CONTROLS FOR SALINITY 8-1
OPTION 1—BIG SANDY RIVER UNIT STUDY 8-5
OPTION 2—SPRINKLER IRRIGATION IN BRIDGER
VALLEY 8-6
OPTION 3—IMPROVEMENT OF IRRIGATION
EFFICIENCIES THROUGH BETTER TIMING OF
IRRIGATIONS 8-10
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Chapter Page
OPTION 4—STUDY POTENTIAL CONTROLS FOR
SALINITY IN SUBLETTE COUNTY 8-17
OPTION 5—INTERCEPTION OF GROUND WATER IN
THE BIG SANDY RECHARGE AREA 8-19
OPTION 6—NO ACTION 8-22
OPTION 7—SALINITY STANDARDS IN THE STUDY
AREA 8-24
OPTION 8—CONTROL OF WATER RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT AND DRILLING ACTIVITIES IN
AREAS WHERE SALTS CAN BE MOBILIZED 8-37
OPTION 9—CONSIDERATION OF DIVERSION AND
DEPLETION IMPACTS 8-43
9 CONTROLS FOR EUTROPHICATION 9-1
PHOSPHORUS LOADING GOALS FOR FLAMING
GORGE RESERVOIR 9-1
Methodology 9-1
Desirable and Permissible Phosphorus
Loadings 9-3
CONTROL MEASURES FOR PHOSPHORUS AND
EUTROPHICATION 9-6
OPTION 1—REDUCE POINT SOURCE PHOSPHORUS
DISCHARGES 9-9
OPTION 2—RANGE MANAGEMENT 9-13
OPTION 3—CHANNEL MODIFICATIONS IN MIDDLE
AND LOWER BITTER CREEK TO CONTROL
ACCELERATED EROSION 9-19
OPTION 4—STRUCTURAL CONTROLS IN UPPER
BITTER CREEK, MUDDY CREEK, LITTLE MUDDY
CREEK, AND KILLPECKER CREEK 9-22
OPTION 5—IN-LAKE MANAGEMENT 9-25
OPTION 6--REQUIRE EROSION AND MANURE CONTROL
FOR FARMING AND RANCHING ACTIVITIES 9-28
OPTION 7—REQUIRE EROSION CONTROL FOR ALL
CONSTRUCTION AND MINING ACTIVITIES 9-30
OPTION 8—REQUIRE CONSIDERATION OF WATER
QUALITY IMPACTS OF WATER DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS 9-32
OPTION 9—STUDY PHOSPHORUS CONTROL FOR
TRIBUTARIES TO PALISADES RESERVOIR 9-35
OPTION 10—CONVERT TO NONPHOSPHATE
DETERGENTS 9-37
OPTION 11— ADOPT PHOSPHORUS STANDARDS FOR
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR 9-39
OPTION 12—NO ACTION 9-41
-------
TAELE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Chapter Page
10 CONTROLS FOR OTHER ISSUES 10-1
OPTION 1—MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL WASTE
TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL 10-4
OPTION 2—ALTERNATIVES TO OPTION 1 FOR
BRIDGER VALLEY 10-12
OPTION 3—POINT SOURCE REDUCTIONS OF
FECAL COLIFORM 10-14
OPTION 4—POINT SOURCE REDUCTIONS OF BOD 10-18
OPTION 5—EUTROPHI CATION CONTROLS TO
INCREASE DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS 10-19
OPTION 6—MANURE RUNOFF CONTROLS 10-20
OPTION 7—USE-BASED APPROACH TO WATER
QUALITY 10-21
OPTION 8—DEVELOPMENT OF HEAVY METAL
STANDARDS 10-23
OPTION 9—WATER QUALITY MONITORING 10-24
OPTION 10—DESIGNATION OF WASTEWATER
TREATMENT MANAGEMENT AGENCIES 10-26
OPTION 11—IDENTIFICATION OF ONGOING 208
PLANNING AGENCY 10-28
11 THE RECOMMENDED 208 PLAN 11-1
EVALUATION CRITERIA 11-1
THE SUBPLAN FOR SALINITY CONTROL 11-2
THE SUBPLAN FOR PHOSPHORUS AND SEDIMENT
CONTROL 11-7
THE SUBPLAN FOR OTHER ISSUES 11-15
THE RECOMMENDED PLAN 11-17
REFERENCES
APPENDICES A THROUGH D
-------
TABLES
Table Page
2-1 Water Use Definitions 2-3
2-2 Stream Reaches and Water Uses 2-5
2-3 Reach Designations for Primary Contact Recreation 2-9
2-4 Wyoming Surface Waters Classification 2-11
2-5 Wyoming Water Quality Standards 2-13
2-6 EPA Salinity Criteria 2-15
2-7 Possible Fisheries Criteria for Sediment 2-22
2-8 Surface Water Quality Criteria by Use for Sampled
Constituents 2-24
2-9 Source of Water Quality Criteria 2-25
2-10 Surface Water Quality Criteria by Reach for Sampled
Constitutents 2-27
2-11 Surface Water Quality Criteria for Constituents With No
Water Quality Data 2-29
2-12 Ground Water Quality Criteria by Use 2-30
3-1 Extent of Water Quality Monitoring in Study Area 3-5
3-2 Measurement of Water Quality 3-8
3-3 Reaches in Which Criteria Are Exceeded in Any Sample 3-9
3-4 Percentage of Time Criteria Are Exceeded 3-13
3-5 Comparison of Two Interpretations of Use Impairment 3-14
3-6 Summary of Use Impairments for Surface Water 3-16
3-7 Eutrophication of Lakes and Reservoirs in Study Area 3-20
3-8 Summary of Major Surface Water Quality Problems 3-23
4-1 Costs for Treating Boiler and Cooling Tower Makeup
Water at Jim Bridger Power Plant 4-6
4-2 Salinity Costs to the Mineral Resources Development
Industries 4-7
4-3 Potential Cost Differences to Industry at Salinity Levels
Higher and Lower Than 1976 Level of 600 y mhos 4-8
4-4 Number of Surface Water Users in Study Area With and
Without Softening 4-11
4-5 Estimated Annual Softening Costs to Domestic Users 4-12
4-6 Annual Benefits to Southwestern Wyoming From
Recreationalists Visiting Flaming Gorge Reservoir 4-17
5-1 Potential Contaminant Sources 5-2
5-2 Secondary Treatment Standards 5-13
5-3 Status of Municipal Compliance With Secondary
Treatment Standards 5-14
5-4 Construction Grant Obligations for FY-1978 5-15
5-5 Effect of Nondischarging Industrial Ponds on Salinity 5-21
-------
TABLES (Continued)
Table Page
5-6 Comparison of Observed Fecal Coliform Concentrations
With Empirical Concentrations Based on Point Loadings 5-24
5-7 Estimated Phosphorus Loadings From Geologic Erosion
in the Reaches From the Highest Phosphorus Loading
Rates 5-34
5-8 Estimated Salinity Loadings From Geologic Erosion 5-35
5-9 Estimated Phosphorus Loadings From Overgrazing 5-39
5-10 Salt Loading Estimates From Irrigation Return Flows 5-47
5-11 Estimated Salinity Loadings in the Study Area From
Ground Water 5-52
5-12 Phosphorus Budget for Flaming Gorge Reservoir Arms 5-54
5-13 Principal Existing Phosphorus Sources 5-56
5-14 Phosphorus Budget for the Main Body of Flaming Gorge
Reservoir 5-57
5-15 Salinity Budget for Green River in Wyoming 5-58
5-16 Principal Existing Salinity Sources 5-59
5-17 Other Principal Contaminant Sources 5-61
6-1 Population Estimates 6-5
6-2 Water Depletion Estimates for the Study Area 6-6
6-3 Water Depletions and Diversions in Year 2000 for the
Portion of the Green River Basin in the SWWQPA
208 Area 6-11
6-4 Impact of Future Conditions on Water Quality and Costs 6-22
6-5 Future Water Quality Impacts 6-29
7-1 Existing Agencies by Management Functions and Pollution
Sources
7-2 Authorities Required to Perform 208 Management Functions 7-11
7-3 Agency Authorities 7-13
8-1 Salinity Management Options 8-3
8-2 Principal Existing Salinity Sources and Management
Options 8-4
8-3 Benefits From Salinity Reduction by Improved Irrigation
Efficiency 8-13
8-4 Benefit-Cost Ratio for Control of Salt Loads Through
Irrigation Management 8-15
8-5 Salinity Monitoring Stations 8-31
9-1 Desirable and Permissible Phosphorus Loadings to
Flaming Gorge Reservoir 9-5
9-2 Ways to Manage Eutrophication Causes and Effects 9-7
9-3 Principal Phosphorus Sources and Management Options 9-8
9-4 Costs of Point Source Phosphorus Control 9-11
9-5 Allocation of Costs, Flaming Gorge Unit 9-17
-------
TABLES (Continued)
Table
Page
10-1
Other Water Quatity Issues
10-2
10-2
Other Principal Contaminant Sources and Management
Options
10-3
10-3
Cost and Funding of Septic Tank Option
10-11
10-4
Allowable Fecal Conform Discharges
10-17
11-1
Evaluation of Salinity Control Measures
n-4
11-2
Evaluation of Phosphorus Controi Measures
17-9
n-3
Phosphorus Control Subplan
11-13
11-^
Evaluation of Other Control Measures
11-16
11-5
Summary of Recommended Management Plan
11-19
11-6
Priority Ranking of Pian Elements
11-20
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FIGURES
Figure Page
1-1 Location of Study Area 1-2
1-2 SWWQPA Study Area and Major River Basins 1-6
1-3 Precipitation Distribution 1-10
1-4 Mean Monthly Precipitation, Rock Springs, 1951-1974 1-11
1-5 Mean Monthly Temperatures, Rock Springs, 1951-1974 1-12
2-1 Schematic Diagram of Stream and Reservoir Reaches 2-2
2-2 Ground Water Use in Study Area 2-7
2-3 Wyoming Stream Classifications 2-12
2-4 Salinity Criterion for Agricultural Irrigation 2-16
2-5 Basis for Phosphorus Criterion 2-20
3-1 Location of Flow Gauging and Water Quality Stations 3-2
3-2 Reaches With Most Complete Monitoring 3-4
3-3 Documented Violations of State Water Quality Standards
in 1976 3-7
3-4 Fecal Coliform Concentrations in the Lower Green River
Reach (Reach #18) 3-12
3-5 Use Impairment—Secondary Contact Recreation End of
Chapter
3-6 Use Impairment—Primary Contact Recreaton End of
Chapter
3-7 Use Impairment—Stream Aesthetics End of
Chapter
3-8 Use Impairment—Reservoir and Lake Aesthetics End of
Chapter
3-9 Use Impairment—Industrial Water Supply End of
Chapter
3-10 Use Impairment—Agricultural Irrigation End of
Chapter
3-11 Use Impairment—Wildlife and Livestock Watering End of
Chapter
3-12 Use Impairment—Public Water Supply End of
Chapter
3-13 Use Impairment—Fishery End of
Chapter
3-14 Phosphorus and Water Transparency 3-18
**"1 Relationship Between Specific Conductance and Total
Dissolved Solids in Study Area 4-2
Salinity Costs to Green River Basin Industry 4-9
^~3 Recreational Use of Flaming Gorge Reservoir 4-14
Change in Fish Populations in Flaming Gorge Reservoir 4-16
-------
FIGURES (Continued)
Figure Page
5-1 Sampling Stations for Total Suspended Solids Load
Determinations 5-3
5-2 Annual Instream Total Suspended Solids Loads 5-4
5-3 Annual Instream Phosphorus Loads 5-6
5-4 Instream Salinity Loads in the Green River 5-8
5-5 Instream Salinity Loads in the Blacks Fork 5-9
5-6 NPDES Dischargers in Study Area 5-11
5-7 Locations of Instream Fecal Coliform Violations 5-23
5-8 Locations of Instream Dissolved Oxygen Violations 5-25
5-9 Area Contributing Sediment to Flaming Gorge Reservoir 5-28
5-10 Soil Erosion Map 5-30
5-11 Empirical Compared to Instream Total Suspended Solids
Loads 5-31
5-12 Phosphorus Loading Rates 5-33
5-13 Critical Erosion Areas 5-37
5-14 Location of Existing Mining Sites 5-40
5-15 Channelization of Bitter Creek and Muddy Creek 5-42
5-16 Irrigated Areas 5-45
5-17 Areas of Highly Leachable Materials in Green River Basin 5-48
5-18 Phosphorus Deposits Which Have the Potential to Impact
Surface Waters 5-53
6-1 Existing and Proposed Mining Sites 6-2
6-2 Present Industrial Water Depletions 6-7
6-3 Industrial Water Depletions—Coal Export, Year 2000 6-8
6-4 Industrial Water Depletions—Energy Export, Year 2000 6-9
6-5 Location Points for Water Quality Projections 6-13
6-6 Comparison of 1975 TDS Concentrations at Big Island
With Modeled Results 6-15
6-7 Comparison of 1975 Phosphorus Concentrations With
Modeled Results 6-16
6-8 Future TDS Loads in the Green River 6-18
6-9 Future TDS Concentrations in the Green River 6-19
6-10 Future Sulfate Concentrations in the Green River 6-21
6-11 Future Phosphorus Loads in the Green River 6-24
6-12 Average Phosphorus Concentrations in Flaming Gorge
Reservoir Under the Coal Export Scenario 6-25
6-13 Average Phosphorus Concentrations in Flaming Gorge
Reservoir Under the Energy Export Scenario 6-26
6-14 Predicted Changes in Clarity for Future Conditions 6-27
8-1 Irrigation Efficiency on a Test Plot in the Eden-Farson
Area 8-12
8-2 Annual Specific Conductance at Two Stations 8-31
8-3 Annual Specific Conductance As a Function of the Average
Annual Flow Rate 8-32
8-4 Relationship of Plains Reservoir and Stateline Project
to Critical Geologic Areas 8-38
-------
FIGURES (CONTINUTED)
Figure
Page
8-5
How Drilling Can Start the "Salt Pump"
8-40
9-1
9-2
9-3
Phosphorus Criterion Related to Trophic Status in
Reservoirs
Vollenweider Loading Chart
Costs for Phosphorus Removal from Point Sources
9-2
9-4
9-10
11-1
Recommended Phosphorus Control Subplan
11-14
-------
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Early impressions of water quality in Southwestern Wyoming are recorded in
the names given to streams in the area, such as Muddy Creek, Bitter Creek,
Salt Wells Creek, Killpecker Creek, Sweetwater Creek, and Salt River. As
indicated by these names, the water was found to be undesirable for many
uses due to natural conditions. These conditions include highly erodible
soils, some of which are highly saline, and a desert climate that keeps
flows at low levels except for large storm events. To achieve water quality
suitable for recreational, agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses in
Southwestern Wyoming may mean changing or controlling natural processes.
The mineral wealth of Southwestern Wyoming, along with lands suitable for
farming and ranching, has brought increasing numbers of people to the area.
In less than 5 years the population in Sweetwater County has more than
doubled. Because the study area is big—16,000 square miles—the 1975
population of 57,000 for the three-county area still amounted to an average
density of only about 3.5 persons per square mile. However, continued
development and population growth is expected in the area. As a result,
although natural conditions predominantly influenced water quality in the
past, future conditions will be much more sensitive to man's presence
through such activities as mining, irrigating, and the building of dams,
highways, and communities.
The water quality plan for Southwestern Wyoming focuses on achieving the
desired water quality for the short term by various control actions and
uses preventative measures to maintain that quality in the future. This
report presents the technical basis for water quality management in South-
western Wyoming and a 208 Water Quality Management-Plan recommended by the
staff of the Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA)
and its consultants. The locally adopted final plan will be described in a
shorter, separate report entitled "Management Plan, Clean Water Report for
Southwestern Wyoming" (CH2M HILL, August 1978).
A 208 Plan describes how an area's water resources should be managed to
maintain and improve water quality. It is named after Section 208 of
Public Law 92-500. This law is the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments of 1972 or, as more popularly known, the 1972 Clean Water Act.
Under Section 208, state governors can designate special areas where there
is a concern for existing and/or future water quality. These areas are
then eligible to receive grants under Section 208 to carry out a 2-year
planning program to develop specific management plans for maintaining and
improving water quality.
In addition to designating the area, the governor also must designate an
agency to carry out the planning. For the Counties of Sweetwater, Lincoln,
and Uinta in Wyoming, shown on Figure 1-1, the Southwestern Wyoming Water
1-1
-------
N
O 30 60 90
SCALE IN MILES
I D AHO
POCATELLO
SALT LAKE CITY
UTAH
JACKSON
LINCOLN
COUNTY
UINTA
COUNTY
W Y 0 M I N G
RIVERTON
CASPER
SWEETWATER
COUNTY
RAWLINS
VERNAL
CRAIG
COLORADO
CHEYENNE
DENVER
FIGURE 1-1
LOCATION OF
STUDY AREA
CH2M
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Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA) was formed by the county commissioners
and the incorporated cities for the purpose of doing this 208 Plan. The
Association was formed in November 1975 with offices in Evanston. Various
outside consulting firms were employed by the Association to help produce
the work needed to develop a plan.
This report by the consultants and the Association's staff describes the
area's water quality situation and the control plans proposed for managing
the water resources. The report attempts to provide information to three
groups of people: the general public who may be interested in the technical
details of the work, the elected officials who must make decisions about
carrying out the plan, and the technical people who will work with many
details of the plan and who will advise the elected officials.
Staff and consultants have found numerous problems and issues that could be
addressed, some of which are very important to individual people. However,
early in the study the decision was made to concentrate on those water
quality aspects which were considered to be most important from an areawide
perspective and for which an improvement plan could be implemented. With
this approach, planning efforts were not drained by covering all identified
water quality problems and producing a long list of controls, many of which
would not be practical to implement. As a result, certain issues or problems
may not be covered to the satisfaction of some readers. However, the
intent of the report is to present to the decision-makers, the general
public, and the technical audience a very practical discussion of South-
western Wyoming's water quality situation.
WHAT IS A 208 PLAN?
The 208 Plan is one part of the continuous planning process which constitutes
the 208 program. The goal of this program is to have in operation at all
times the most cost-effective management controls for the identified water
quality problems. As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
the most cost-effective control will have the least cost to society without
any overriding adverse environmental, social, or institutional impacts.
This 208 Plan should be updated as more water quality data become available,
new water quality problems arise, and new control technology and institu-
tional arrangements develop.
A 208 Plan addresses the water quality of streams, lakes and reservoirs,
and ground water bodies. It is a comprehensive consideration of all types
of pollution sources, management controls, and implementation factors.
Pollution sources are identified as either point sources or nonpoint sources.
Point sources are simply described as those that are captured in a pipe or
ditch and discharged directly to a stream or lake, whereas nonpoint sources
are those that are more dispersed, such as runoff due to rainfall. Most
point sources are under the administration of the National Pollutant Dis-
charge Elimination System (NPDES) of discharge permits. Nonpoint sources,
on the other hand, are generally administered not through the permit pro-
gram, but through a program of Best Management Practices (BMP's).
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Point Sources
Traditionally, management of water quality has been concerned with the
control of point sources only and has been almost exclusively limited to
control of municipal and industrial treatment plant discharges. By the
late 1970's, secondary treatment of municipal wastes will be widespread
through Wyoming and the country. By the mid- to late 1980's, it is a
national goal to have advanced wastewater treatment for certain serious
pollutants.
The 208 Plan recommends the changes in point source treatment that must be
made in order to achieve a desired level of water quality. These recom-
mended changes have a far-reaching impact, because any municipality which
seeks Federal funds through the 201 Wastewater Facility Planning Program
must design for the changes recommended by an approved 208 Plan.
Nonpoint Sources
Study and control of nonpoint sources has come about because elimination of
point source pollution in many areas has not produced the desired water
quality. Water quality problems persisted because of pollution delivered
by septic tanks and by runoff from urban lands, rural lands, rangelands,
and areas of mining and silviculture. Because point sources were emphasized
first, many of the factors involved in nonpoint control are not well devel-
oped. The effectiveness of many BMP's is impossible to predict without in-
situ testing. The costs and secondary environmental impacts are difficult
to predict accurately. Finally, the responsibilities for implementing,
administering, and paying for BMP's are largely undefined.
Because of all the uncertainties surrounding BMP's, 208 Plans to date have
not been as specific about nonpoint controls as point controls. This 208
Plan also is more specific on controls necessary for point sources than for
nonpoint sources. While the Plan has identified relatively small regions
within the study area where nonpoint controls are necessary to produce
desired water quality, for many of these regions it has only been able to
suggest nonpoint controls which might work or institutional arrangements
which might be feasible. It has emphasized that in certain regions detailed
feasibility studies need to be done. Therefore, while specific controls
have not been defined for all identified water quality problems in the
area, mechanisms have been set up to lead to the eventual alleviation of
these problems.
The Technical Report
The goal of this Plan is to provide a process which will lead to a water
quality acceptable to the local citizens, the State of Wyoming, and the
Federal Government. In order to reach this goal, the Technical Report has
sought to answer the following questions:
¦ What are the water quality goals for the local citizens, the
State and the Federal Government (Chapter 2)?
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¦ What are the existing water quality problems and what are their
impacts (Chapters 3 and 4)?
¦ What are the contaminant sources causing these problems (Chapter 5)?
¦ What water quality problems are predicted for the future (Chapter 6)?
¦ What institutional framework exists for solving present and
future water quality problems (Chapter 7)?
¦ What are the options (Chapter 8, Chapter 9, and Chapter 10)?
¦ What is the Plan recommended by the SWWQPA staff and consultants
(Chapter 11)?
A draft Technical Report, published September 1977, has gone through public
hearings and public review. Changes have been made in the draft from the
comments received. This final Technical Report, along with an accompanying
volume entitled "Management Plan," will be presented to SWWQPA for adoption.
The adopted 208 Plan must be considered in the context of the continuous
planning process set up under Section 208 of the 1972 Clean Water Act. It
is not a final plan. It should be updated as more information becomes
available. For example, the State of Wyoming adopted a set of water quality
standards in 1974, but is now in the process of developing new standards
based on new water quality information. As a result, the criteria developed
in Chapter 2 may need to be revised when the new set is adopted.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING AREA
The Southwestern Wyoming 208 area, consisting of the Counties of Sweetwater,
Lincoln, and Uinta, is shown on Figure 1-2. Five major river basins have
been delineated in the figure. The majority of the area is in the Green
River Basin, which is a tributary of the Colorado River system. Along the
western edge of the area in Uinta and Lincoln Counties is the Bear River
Basin. The Star Valley area in northern Lincoln County is tributary to the
Snake River drainage. The remaining two basins are the Great Divide Basin
and the Green River Basin below Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The terrain in
each of the five major basins is described below in general terms. Because
of its size, the Green River Basin has been divided into seven subbasins.
Great Divide Basin
The Great Divide Basin, also known as the Red Desert, is located in north-
eastern Sweetwater County. It is an internal drainage basin, that is,
runoff from rainfall does not leave the basin by surface runoff. The Great
Divide Basin is enclosed by the Continental Divide, which separates the
drainages to the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. The terrain in this
basin is high altitude desert country typified by gentle slopes and low and
sparse vegetation. Rainfall is less than 8 inches per year.
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SNAKE
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FIGURE 1-2
SWWQPA STUDY AREA
X MAJOR RIVER BASINS
SCALE IK miles
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Green River Basin Below Flaming Gorge
In southeastern Sweetwater County, a number of streams rise that drain into
Colorado and Utah and join the Green River downstream of Flaming Gorge
Reservoir and the Wyoming border. This lower Green River area is very
sparsely populated, and the land is highly erosional in form and somewhat
similar to that along the edges of the Great Divide Basin.
Bitter Creek Subbasin
The Bitter Creek drainage is along Interstate 80 and along the Union Pacific
Railroad just west of the Great Divide Basin. The upstream end of the
basin greatly resembles the Great Divide Basin, but downstream the effect
of centuries of erosion becomes apparent. Land forms become more abrupt,
and the cliffs in the downstream areas indicate that the area was a sea or
lakebed during various geological periods. In the vicinity of Rock Springs
and downstream toward the Green River, the erosion relief is far more
dramatic with formations such as White Mountain dominating the landscape.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir Subbasin
On the Green River beginning from the confluence of Bitter Creek and on
downstream is the area of Flaming Gorge. Flaming Gorge is a canyon-like
formation located south of the Wyoming-Utah State line on the Green River.
It was named by John Wesley Powell and his crew because of the color bands
exposed on the rock formations as the gorge was formed by the Green River.
A dam has been built in Utah below Flaming Gorge and formed the reservoir
that now fills the gorge. The present-day reservoir extends approximately
60 miles from the dam and is formed in the upper part by the arms of the
Green River and Blacks Fork, two major tributaries to Flaming Gorge Reser-
voir. A third major tributary is Henrys Fork, which comes into the reser-
voir at the Wyoming-Utah State line. Erosion of land forms is prevalent
throughout the area, including awesome pinnacles and shear cliffs. Flaming
Gorge Reservoir and adjacent lands are administered by the U .S. Forest
Service as a National Recreation Area.
Green River Subbasin from Fontenelie Dam to Town of Green River
The Green River provides a contrast to the largely desert-type surrounding
country. The river itself stands out from the otherwise monotonous desert
terrain. The change in vegetation is striking with the willows and cotton-
woods along the river's banks providing a dramatic contrast to the sagebrush
and grasses of the desert areas further away from the water. Today, 35 miles
of the river are contained in the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge,
which was established to replace nesting grounds inundated by Fontenelie
Reservoir further upstream. In the refuge area, numerous canals have been
constructed to flood wide areas in order to create the proper marshy condi-
tions desirable for nesting ducks and geese. The refuge lies above and
below the confluence of the Green River with the Big Sandy River.
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Fontenelle Reservoir and Upstream Subbasin
Near the line between Sweetwater and Lincoln Counties is Fontenelle Dam,
which forms the reservoir that extends on up into Lincoln County. Upstream
of the reservoir, the Green River extends down from Sublette County, which
is outside the study area. Evidences of a broad erosional plain are preva-
lent throughout this Upper Green River area and in the reach near Fontenelle.
The plain appears more narrow than further downstream. Along the stream,
there are hay pastures as opposed to the wildlife refuge downstream, and
the land use activities are more related to those of the Upper Green River
Basin in Sublette County than to those in Sweetwater County.
Big Sandy River Subbasin
The Big Sandy River subbasin is located in north central Sweetwater County.
It is largely desert country with irrigated agriculture in the Eden Valley
near Far son and Eden. The terrain is moderately rolling.
Hams Fork Subbasin
Hams Fork is a tributary of Blacks Fork and rises in central Lincoln County.
The communities of Kemmerer, Diamondville and Frontier are along Hams Fork.
Extensive coal deposits have been developed in the basin. The terrain has
narrower eroded valleys than are found further downstream.
Bridger Valley Subbasin
Most of Uinta County is contained in the area known as Bridger Valley. The
valley is named after Jim Bridger, an early scout for whom Fort Bridger is
also named. Bridger Valley generally has a broad rolling terrain with
numerous drainages flowing north through it. It is well suited for agri-
culture, which has been a major economic force in the area since the late
1800's. The streams in Bridger Valley generally rise in Utah in the Uinta
Mountains to the south. The southern part of the valley is characterized
as being moderately forested as compared to the northeastern part of the
valley, which is largely desert country with erosional forms.
Bear River Basin
The Bear River meanders in ana out of the 208 planning area. It rises in
Utah, enters the planning area in southwestern Uinta County, flows into
Utah again in the northwestern part of Uinta County, reenters the area in
southwestern Lincoln County, and exits again north of Cokeville in central
Lincoln County, this time into Idaho. Eventually the Bear River swings
west and then south and is diverted to Bear Lake in Utah. The Bear River
Valley is narrow to moderately wide and seems to have been formed by fluvial
deposits. Agriculture is practiced to a large extent along the Bear River,
and the flat alluvial lands are easily irrigated.
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Star Valley Area
In northern Lincoln County, the Star Valley is formed between some low
hills in Idaho and the Salt River Range in Wyoming. Two streams—Greys
River and the Salt River—rise in this area and flow north to meet the
Snake River. Greys River on the east side of the Salt River Range is
hardly developed at all, but the alluvial plains of the Salt River have
been largely developed for agriculture. Dairying is a major activity in
this area.
CLIMATE
Most of the study area is characterized as having a high plains, arid type
climate with low rainfall, and a tendency toward moderate to high winds.
Rainfall distribution in the area is shown on Figure 1-3.
The average monthly precipitation throughout the annual cycle is given on
Figure 1-4 for Rock Springs. The range of temperatures in Rock Springs on
an annual cycle is shown on Figure 1-5.
HISTORY OF THE AREA
Development in Southwestern Wyoming was largely influenced by the availa-
bility of transportation through the area, particularly in the southern
portion. The Mormon, California, and Oregon Trails all passed through
Sweetwater and Unita Counties after crossing South Pass. Later, the Union
Pacific Railroad route was developed through Sweetwater and Uinta Counties.
This route traversed the entire length of Southwestern Wyoming because of
the opportunity to cross the Continental Divide in the Great Divide Basin
and to thereby avoid higher mountain passes further south or north. Most
of the communities in Sweetwater and Uinta Counties have developed along
the railroad or in association with it. Coal mined in the Rock Springs
area was used by the railroad, and Green River and Evanston are division
points for the Union Pacific. Additionally, Interstate 80 now passes
through the area, roughly following the route of the Union Pacific. Air
service In Southwestern Wyoming is provided at Rock Springs.
Aside from the transportation corridors, the second most important factor
in the development of the area was agriculture. Bridger Valley, Bear River
Valley, and Star Valley have already been mentioned as prime agricultural
areas. Eden Valley in north central Sweetwater County has been developed
through the Big Sandy irrigation project.
Minerals have played a large role in the area's development as well. The
coal deposits in the Rock Spring-Green River area have been mined since the
railroad came through, and coal mining using both surface and subterranean
methods is a cyclic industry. In western Sweetwater County is located the
trona patch. The mining and processing of this mineral, which is largely
used in the manufacture of glass and is also used to produce baking soda,
is a major industry in Sweetwater County. Coal deposits in Lincoln County
around Kemmerer have also been developed. Power plants are located at or
near the coal deposits in both Sweetwater and Lincoln Counties. Other
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PRECIPITATION DISTRIBUTION
scale in miles
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FIGURE 1-4
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FIGURE 1-5
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TEMPERATURES,
ROCK SPRINGS,
1951-1974
CH2M
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minerals, such as uranium and oil shale, have been discovered throughout
the area. These minerals are being mined or are slated to be mined,
FUTURE GROWTH OF THE AREA
Tremendous future expansion and growth through the mineral industry and
energy developments is forecast for Sweetwater and Unita Counties and much
of Lincoln County. The coal deposits in Southwestern Wyoming are expected
to be developed in response to the nation's search for additional energy
sources.
Two scenarios have been developed during this study to describe potential
future conditions and their related potential water quality impacts. One
of these was titled the energy export scenario and the other the coal
export scenario. The energy export descriptive assumed that the coal would
be mined in the area and used to generate power within the area, whereas
the coal export scenario assumed that the coal would be mined and shipped
to power plants elsewhere.
Whatever the future development pattern, it is likely to cause large increases
in population for existing communities. Rock Springs and Green River
already experienced tremendous boom growth in the early 1970's. Growth is
also already being experienced in Evanston; Kemmerer; the Bridger Valley
communities of Lyman, Fort Bridger, and Mountain View; and many other
smaller communities throughout the study area. It is largely this potential
for future growth and development as a result of the energy and minerals
industry that the Governor designated this area as a 208 study area. The
need was recognized for the development of a plan to manage water quality
in view of the expected tremendous expansion.
MOST PRESSING WATER CONCERNS
In 1977 perhaps the most pressing water concern has been the tack of suffi-
cient quantities of water. During this year the area has experienced a
drought period, and streamflows have been extremely low as have the winter
snowpacks. The low flow conditions have magnified some water quality
problems.
As found in this study, the most significant water quality problems to the
area are those associated with failing septic tank systems, eutrophication
in the reservoirs, sediments and salinity. The problems of eutrophication
and sediments are closely related, because eutrophication in this area is
largely controlled by reductions of phosphorus, which is mainly carried
into streams with sediment.
Phosphorus serves as a nutrient for algae and other aquatic plants. Algae
blooms, as currently being experienced in the upper parts of Flaming Gorge
Reservoir, in Woodruff Narrows Reservoir, and to some extent in other
reservoirs in the area, are largely a nuisance for such recreational use of
the waters as boating, swimming, fishing, or water skiing. Small amounts
of algae are fairly well dispersed through the water, and as their concen-
tration increases, they become apparent through a green murky appearance of
1-13
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the water. As additional phosphorus is present, other forms of algae, the
blue-greens, can develop, and these tend to clump together in mats that
float on or near the surface.
Salinity is a concern for two reasons. First, there is a need to control
salinity throughout the Colorado River Basin as a result of interstate and
international agreements. Second, water users in the area are concerned
because of the higher costs associated with the use of saline water for
industrial and municipal purposes.
This study focuses on septic tanks, salinity, eutrophication, and erosion.
The first half of this report gives a more detailed description of the
water quality situation and the water quality criteria used to measure what
are desirable levels for various pollutants. The description includes not
only parameters associated with the major problems mentioned above, but
many other water quality parameters also.
1-14
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Chapter 2
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
The establishment of water quality criteria is one of the initial steps
toward management of water resources and control of water quality problems.
The water quality criteria developed in this section of the report represent
water quality goals for the study area. They are not to be viewed as water
quality standards. Criteria are valuable in the identification of water
quality problems; standards are the legal values established for controlling
a problem. Standards for the study area have been adopted by the State of
Wyoming in the past. The decision to recommend that certain water quality
criteria be adopted as water quality standards is made in Chapter 11 only
after a thorough investigation of the environmental, economic, and health
impacts of the decision.
WATER USES IN THE STUDY AREA
A use-based approach to water quality management has been selected over a
quality-based approach for two reasons. First, the use-based approach
presents fewer restrictions on water resources development, because it
permits water quality degradation to the level specified by the water
quality criteria. It is recommended that water resources development
options be kept open at this time because of the uncertainty of future
water demands on the area's water resources. Second, a use-based approach
is consistent with the approach of the State of Wyoming towards water
quality. According to the Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations,
"The goal of the water pollution control program is to maintain the best
possible quality of water commensurate with use."
Nine types of water uses, each of which requires a different quality of
water, have been defined in the study area, as described on Table 2-1.
Nine sets of water quality criteria, presented later in this chapter, have
been developed in terms of the quality needed to accomodate these uses.
Existing and projected uses, based on the nine use types, have been generated
on a reach-by-reach basis in order to reduce the 16,000-square-mile study
area to reasonably sized water quality management units. A schematic
diagram of the 52 reaches delineated in the study area is shown on Figure 2-1.
The schematic diagram has taken some liberties with reality in order to
improve the layout of the figure. A few reaches have been oriented differ-
ently, such as the two upper reaches of the Blacks Fork, in which the river
(1) These Rules and Regulations also have a quality-based provision which
states that "waters whose existing quality is better than the estab-
lished standards.. .will be maintained at high quality" unless It is
demonstrated that a change in water quality "is justifiable to provide
necessary economic or social development."
2-1
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SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
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REACHES
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Table 2-1
WATER USE DEFINITIONS
Water Use Definition
Secondary Contact Recreation Water with which the human body may
come in contact, but normally not to the
point of complete submergence. Such
activities include wading, fishing, boating,
and hiking.
Primary Contact Recreation Water in which the human body may be
completely submerged with prolonged and
intimate contact. Such activities include
swimming, water skiing, and floating.
Stream Aesthetics Streams which have scenic value.
Reservoir and Lake Aesthetics Reservoirs and lakes which have scenic
value.
1st
i
w Industrial Water Supply
Agricultural Irrigation
Wildlife and Livestock Watering
Public Water Supply
Fishery
Raw water diverted from streams or lakes
used by various industries for process
purposes or for removal of heat
after water treatment by the
Individual industries.
Water used for the irrigation of crops.
Water used by wildlife (excluding fish)
and livestock for consumption.
Raw water used for drinking and other
domestic or municipal purposes AFTER
conventional treatment.
Water used to support and propagate a
cold or warm water fishery.
Basis for Establishing Water Quality Criteria
The water must be aesthetically acceptable for the
recreation activities. Ingestion of small amounts
of water and whole body submergence are normally
not expected. Propagation of fish is not included.
The water must be aesthetically acceptable for the
recreation activities and should not cause skin or
eye irritation. Ingestion of small amounts of water
should not cause illness.
Surface water must be virtually free from substances
which impair the visual character of the water body
or cause unpleasant odors.
Surface water must be virtually free from substances
which impair the visual character of the water body
or cause unpleasant odors. The major concern is
substances and conditions which produce undesirable
aquatic growth.
The major industrial uses of water are assumed to be
for coal gasification, petroleum refining, trona pro-
cessing, and power generation. Criteria are based
on the use of raw water diverted to a storage basin
and used for process water or recirculating cooling
systems.
Irrigation water quality is based on the requirements
of alfalfa. Waters are assumed to be used continuously
during the growing season on all soil. Soil conditions
which would further limit water quality are not
specified.
Water quality must ensure short-term and long-term
survival of wildlife and livestock, including waterfowl,
but excluding fish. Substances which will taint meat
or milk are also limited.
Surface water must be potable after conventional water
treatment which is assumed to be (1) coagulation, (2)
sedimentation, (3) rapid sand filtration, and (4) chlorine
disinfection. Substances which interfere with treatment
processes should be limited. Toxic substances (both
acute and chronic) not removed by conventional water
treatment must meet requirements for potable standards.
Water quality must support a rainbow trout fishery. Sub-
stances which taint fish are also limited.
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actually flows south to north, but which the diagram shows to be oriented
west-east. Also, all reaches are the same size in the diagram, although in
reality they vary greatly in stream length and watershed area. However,
all upstream reaches are shown as upstream in the diagram, and all down-
stream reaches are shown as downstream.
The uses identified for each stream reach are presented on Table 2-2.
This list includes both existing and projected water uses, and represents
the goal for the area. A preliminary list of the existing and projected
water uses in each reach was presented in the Interim Clean Water Report
for Southwestern Wyoming, dated December 1976. Recommendations on existing
use corrections have been received from local citizens, the Rock Springs
District Office of the Bureau of Land Management, the Green River and
Pinedale Offices of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, the Ashley National
Forest District of the U.S. Forest Service, the Wyoming Department of
Environmental Quality, the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, and the Depart-
ment of Environmental Sanitation for Sweetwater County. These recommended
changes have been reviewed and incorporated into a revised set of uses for
each reach which is presented on Table 2-2.
The revised set of uses includes all the existing surface water uses in the
study area. It also reflects planned surface water uses by the State of
Wyoming, industries, and local citizens. The planned uses by Wyoming
concern primary contact recreation and fisheries in the study area and are
listed in Stream Classifications in Wyoming (dated October 1, 1976).
Planned industrial uses have been obtained from the Southwest Wyoming
Industrial Association (SWIA). Planned uses by local citizens were learned
in public meetings held during January 1977.
Use of ground water in the study area is small compared to use of surface
water. Areas of major ground water use are shown on Figure 2-2. Ground
water uses include domestic and public water supply, livestock watering,
industrial water supply, and agricultural irrigation.
COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL GOAL
The national goal toward which the 208 program is directed is stated in
Section 101 (a) (2) of the 1972 Clean Water Act:
"It is the national goal that wherever attainable, an interim goal of
water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of
fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on
the water be achieved by July 1, 1983."
The water quality goal generated in this study, as presented on Table 2-2,
appears to fall short of the national goal in two respects. Thirty-eight
reaches are not designated for primary contact recreation, or recreation
"in the water," and six reaches are not designated as fisheries.
These differences are permitted if it can be proven that primary contact
recreation and fishing are not attainable in those reaches for one or more
of the reasons stated below:
2-H
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Tabic 1-2
STREAM REACHES AND WATER USES
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REACH BOUNDARIES " .*
i ®
£ u
W V
Ob tt
E
m
V
w
5>
Snake River Snaka River
Snaka Rlvar
1
Lincoln-Taton County Lina
to Palisada* Ratarvoir
X
X
X
Greys River
Grays Rivar
2
Haadwatan to Snaka Rivar
X
X
Salt Rlvar
Uppar
3
Headwaters to Thayna
X
X
Lowar
«
Thayna to Backwatari of
Palisadas Reservoir
X
X
Palisades
Rasarvoir
5
Backwater* of Palisadas
Rasarvoir to Idaho Stata
Lina
X
X
Bair Rlvar Btar Rivar
Above Evanston
t
Utah Stata Lina to Evanston
X
X
Below Evanston
7
Evanston to Backwatars of
Woodruff Narrows Rasarvoir
X
X
Woodruff
Narrows
Ra Jar voir
8
8ackwatars of Woodruff
Narrows Rasarvoir to
Utah Stat* Lina
X
X
Cokavilla
Reach
9
Utah Stata Lina to Smiths
Fork
X
X
Bordar Raach
10
Smiths Fork to Idaho
Stata Lina
X
X
Twin Craak
Twin Craak
11
Headwaters to Baar Rlvar
X
X
Smith* Fork
Smith* Fork
12
Headwaters to Baar River
X
X
Craan Rlvar Graan Rlvar
Uppar
13
Sublette- Sweetwater County
Lina to Backwatars of
Fontanalia Rasarvoir
X
X
X
Fontanalia
Reservoir
14
Backwatars to Dam, Fontanalia
Rasarvoir x
X
Slata Craak
Raach
IS
Fontanalia Rasarvoir Dam to
Big Sandy Rivar
X
X
X
Big Island
Raach
1«
Big Sandy Rivar to Alkali
Craak
X
X
X
Graan Rlvar
Raach
17
Alkali Craak to Blttar
Craak
X
X
X
Lowar
11
Blttar Craak to Flaming
Gorga Rasarvoir Backwatars
X
X
X
Graan Rivar
Arm. Flaming
Gorga Ratarvoir
1*
Flaming Gorga Rasarvoir
Backwatars to Confluence
with Blacks Fork Arm
X
X
Flaming Gorga
Rasarvoir
20
Confluence of Graan Rivar
and Blacks Fork Arm to
Utah Stala Una
X
X
La Barga
Craak
La Barga
Craak
21
Headwaters to Graan
Rlvar
X
X
Fontanel la
Craak
Fontanalia
Craak
22
Haadwatars to Fontanalia
Rasarvoir
X
X
Slat* Craak
Slata Craak
23
Haadwatars te Graan Rlvar
X
X
Big Sandy
Rlvar
Big Sandy
Ratarvoir
3*
Backwatars to Dam. Big
Sandy Rasarvoir
X
X
Uppar
25
Big Sandy Reservoir Dam to
Pacific Craak naar Parson
X
X
lowar
26
Pacific Craak naar Parson
to Craan Rlvar
X
% X
Pacific Craak
Pacific Craak
27
Haadwatars to Big Sandy
Rivar
X
X
Jack Morrow
Craak
Jack Morrow
Craak
21
Haadwatars to Pacific
Craak
X
X
Bitter Craak
Uppar
29
Haadwatars to Salt Walls
Craak
X
X
Middla
30
Salt Walls Craak to Rock
Springs
X
X
h. *
"3 ~
H
w
I
m
I
5
J
I
3
h
i J
II
Sk
in
k
* s
S »
=u 1
i I
.«)
.<«
2-5
-------
Table 2-2 (Continued)
STREAM REACHES AND WATER USES
(1)
BASIN RIVER
Green River (Continued)
Salt Wells
Creek
Klllpecker
Creek
Blacks Fork
Smiths Fork
Little Dry
Creek
Muddy Creek
Little
Muddy
Creek
Hams Fork
REACH
Lower
Salt Wells
Creek
Kiltpecker
Creek
Upper
Lyman Reach
Church Butte
Reach
Little America
Reach
Blacks Fork
Arm, Flaming
Gorge
Reservoir
Upper
Lower
Little Dry
Creek
Upper
Lower
Little
Muddy
Creek
Upper
Viva Naughton
Reservoir
Middle
o
ts
REACH BOUNDARIES
31 Rock Springs to Green
River
32 Headwaters to Bitter
Creek
33 Headwaters to Bitter
Creek »
34 Utah State Line to County
Hwy. near Robertson
35 County Highway near
Robertson to Smiths Fork
36 Smiths Fork to Hams Fork
near Granger
37 Hams Fork near Granger to
Massacre Hilt
38 Massacre Hill to Confluence
with Creen River Arm
39 Utah State Line to County
Hwy. near Robertson
40 County Highway near
Robertson to Blacks Fork
41 Utah State Line to Smiths
Fork
42 Utah State Line to Piedmont
43 Piedmont to Blacks Fork
44 Headwaters to Muddy Creek x
45 Headwaters to Viva Naughton
Reservoir Backwaters x
46 Backwaters to Dam, Viva
Naughton Reservoir x
47 Viva Naughton Reservoir
Dam to below Kemmerer x
>>'Z
w n
.(31
Henry* Fork
Crnn River
Below Flaming Rad Crack
Gorge
Vermilion
Creek
Craat Divide Lost Soldier
Basin Creak
Lower
Henrys Fork
Red Creek
Vermilion
Creek
Lost Soldier
Creek
48 Below Kemmerer to Blacks
Fork
49 Utah State Line to Flaming
Gorge Reservoir
50 Headwaters to Utah State
Line
51 Headwaters to Colorado
State Line
53 Headwaters to Sweetwater-
Carbon County Line
(1) Water uses are defined on Table 2-1.
(2) All are cold water, game fisheries unless otherwise noted.
(J) Cold water, nongame fishery.
(4) Warm water, nongame fishery.
2-6
-------
M
(THROUGHOUT
AREA)
LEGEND
DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION
LIVESTOCK WATER SUPPLY
INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY
WATER SUPPLY
(THROUAHOUT
AREA)
Hip
mma
1
(THROUGHOUT
AREA)
D
M1XY°H0UT
SCALE IN MILES
(THROUGHOUT
AREA)
D
(THROUGHOUT
AREA)
FIGURE 2-2
GROUND WATER USE
IN STUDY AREA
CH2M
¦¦HILL
-------
¦ The use cannot be attained because of natural background con-
ditions
¦ The use cannot be attained because of irretrievable man-induced
conditions
¦ The use cannot be attained because the imposition of controls
above or in addition to the technology-based requirements of
BATEA (Best Available Technology Economically Available) and
BPWTT (Best Practicable Wastewater Treatment Technology) would be
required and would result in a substantial and widespread adverse
economic and social impact.
As shown below, fisheries and primary contact recreation cannot exist in
many reaches because of natural background conditions.
Out of the six reaches not designated in Table 2-2 as fisheries^1), the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department has classified four as not having the
hydrologic potential to support fish. The other two reaches, Jack Morrow
Creek and Salt Weils Creek are not classified, but are intermittent streams
and assumed to have insufficient flow to support fish. Therefore, with
respect to fishery, the goal generated in this study appears to be in
compliance with the national goal. Low flow seems to prevent the estab-
lishment of a fishery in the six reaches.
Two natural background conditions, low flow and low temperatures, discourage
primary contact recreation in many of the 38 reaches which have not been
designated for that use in Table 2-2. As shown on Figure 1-3, most of the
study area is extremely arid. Many streams have little or no flow during
the summer months. Only the larger streams are capable of accomodating
primary contact recreational uses such as swimming and floating. Rivers
with adequate summer flows include Snake River, Greys River, Salt River,
Bear River, Green River, Big Sandy River, Blacks Fork, Smiths Fork, Hams
Fork and Henrys Fork. Streams with inadequate summer flows are listed on
Table 2-3.
Some of the streams with adequate flows have summer water temperatures too
low to permit comfortable primary contact recreation. Reaches in which
summer temperatures average less than 11.5°C (52°F) are designated on
Table 2-3. Low temperatures are assumed to make primary contact recreation
unattainable in these reaches.
After accounting for low flows and Jow temperatures, only eight reaches
show primary contact recreation as a possible, but not existing or desired,
use. These reaches are:
(1) The six reaches are Jack Morrow Creek (#28), Middle Bitter
Creek (#30), Lower Bitter Creek (#31), Salt Wells Creek (#32),
Killpecker Creek (#33), and Lost Soldier Creek (#52) .
2-6
-------
Tabl* 2-3
REACH DESIGNATIONS FOR PRIMARY CONTACT RECREATION
Raach
Raach
Mum bar
Natural Background
Condition Pravantlng U»«
Primary Conact
Racraation.,
Poasibia 11
Snaka Rlvar
l
X
Grays Rlvar
2
X
Salt Rlvar
3 » 4
X
Pallsadat Rasarvolr
S
X
Baar Rlvar Haad to Smiths Fork
6,7 ( *
X
Woodruff Narrow* Rasarvolr
1
X
Baar Rlvar, Bordar Raach
10
X
Twin Craak
11
X
Smltha Fork
12
X
Craan Rlvar
11 thru 11
X
Flaming Gorga Rasarvolr
11,20 « 31
X
U Barga Craak
21
X
Fontanalla Craak
22
X
Slat* Craak
33
X
Big Sandy Raaarvoir
24
X
Big Sandy Rlvar
25 I 2t
X
Pacific Craak
27
X
X
Jack Morrow Craak
21
X
X
Blttar Craak
29,30 ( 31
X
Salt Walls Craak
32
X
Klltpackar Craak
u
X
Blacks Fork, Uppar
34
X
Blacks Fork, Lyman to L. Amarlca
35,36 « 37
X
Smith* Fork
39 t 40
X
Llttia Dry Craak
41
X
Muddy Craak
42 1 43
X
Lima Muddy Craak
44
X
Ham* Fork, Uppar
45
X
Viva Naughton Rasarvolr
H
X
Hams Fork# Middla fr Lowar
47 ( 41
X
Hanry's Fork
49
X
Aad Craak
SO
X
Varmlllon Craak
51
X
Lost Soldiar Craak
52
X
Primary Contact
Raeraatlon
Existing ar Oatirad
x
(2)
(1)
(2)
Ihi* c0Jumn r»P',aaants uaa designationsundar tha national goal.
Thla column la from Tabla J-2 and raprasanta uaa da*Ignations undar Iha locally garwratad goal.
2-9
-------
Bear River, Border Reach
¦ Big Sandy River, Upper and Lower Reaches
«« Blacks Fork, Lyman, Church Butte, and Little America Reaches
¦ Hams Fork, Middle and Lower Reaches
The national water quality goal would require water quality to accomodate
primary contact recreation in these reaches, while the locally generated
208 goal would require water quality to accomodate only secondary contact
recreation. Later in this report, two alternative programs will be devel-
oped to attain the national goal and the local 208 goal. The program
associated with the national goal may have a higher cost because of the
higher water quality required by it.
EXISTING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Water quality in the study area is presently regulated by the National
Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations (September 1976), State of
Wyoming Water Quality Standards, and discharge permits issued by Wyoming
under the National Pollutants Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The
State of Wyoming Water Quality Standards are instream standards which apply
to surface waters only, while the Drinking Water Regulations apply to both
surface water and ground water. Discharge permits are issued for municipal
and industrial dischargers and require best practicable treatment and
compliance with Wyoming Water Quality Standards.
The State of Wyoming standards are based on the protection of game and
nongame fisheries. Surface waters in Wyoming have been divided into three
classes related to the capability of a stream to support a fishery. These
classes are defined on Table 2-4. Classifications for major streams in the
study area are shown on Figure 2-3. Water quality standards associated
with each class are presented on Table 2-5. Many streams in the study area
are designated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as Class I,
to which the strictest set of water quality standards apply.
The Colorado Salinity Forum has proposed a policy for implementation of
Colorado River Salinity Standards through the NPDES Permit Program. This
policy calls for salinity limits on point source discharges of no more than
879 mg/l and 1 ton per day or 350 tons per year, whichever is greater. The
State of Wyoming has adopted this policy; however, these salinity standards
are not used in the permit program in the study area at the present time.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CRITERIA
The staff of SWWQPA and their consultants have developed a set of water
quality criteria with assistance from DEQ with which to judge water quality.
The criteria primarily incorporate three different sets of water quality
criteria or standards—the most recent (September 1976) National Interim
Primary Drinking Water Regulations, the latest (1975) EPA Quality Criteria
for Water, and the existing State Water Quality Standards with modifications
2-10
-------
Table 2-4
WYOMING SURFACE WATERS CLASSIFICATION
CLASS
CLASS II
CLASS III
Waters determined to be presently supporting
game fish or have the hydrologic and natural
water quality to support game fish.
Waters determined to be presently supporting
nongame fish or have the hydrologic and natural
water quality potential to support nongame fish.
Waters determined as not having the hydrologic
or natural water quality potential to support fish.
Reference: Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations, 1974.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
Aug. 1974,
2-11
-------
4r,V""J
• ••••• CLASS II
CLASS III (OR UNCLASSIFIED)
CLASS I
ARSON
-KE V ! LLt
SUPERIOR
BOCK
V
REFERENCEi WYOMING WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM
PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 1978
OCTOBER 1977
WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
10 ^0 BO 40
SCALE IN MiLCS
FREEMONT
SWEE TWA TER
lost
Soldier '
Creek
bairoil
UJ.U
*!
WAHSUTTER
FIGURE 2-3
WYOMING
STREAM
CLASSIFICATIONS
CH2M
¦¦HILL
-------
Table 2-5
WYOMING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Class
Parameter (1)
1
II
III
Fecal Coliform
Geometric Mean
May 1 through September 30
200/100ml primary contact
1000/100ml secondary contact
May 1 thrauah September 30
200/100ml primary contact
1000/100 ml secondary contact
May 1 throuph September
30 1000/100ml
Dissolved Oxyaen
6.0 ma/I
5. 0 mp/l
None
Floating Solids
Free From
Oil and Grease
10 mq/l (maximum)
PH
6.5 - 8.5 units
Radioactive Material
BPT and 3 pCi/l Ra^^, 10 pCi/l Sr^ (maximum)
Settleable Solids
Free From
Taste, Odor, and Color
Free From
Free From
None
Temperature
Warm water fish 90°F (max.)
Cold water fish 78°F (max.)
2/4 maximum increase
Warm water fish 90°F (max.)
ColdQwater fish 78°F (max.)
2 />\ maximum increase
None
Toxic Materials
Free From
Turbidity
10JTU (maximum increase)
10 JTU (maximum increase)
None
Total Gas Pressure
110% of atmosphere
(1) Water quality standards from Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations, 1974.
(2) Appfies to all still water bodies and certain streams.
-------
to the standards on radioactive material and turbidity. Additional criteria
have been developed for salinity, phosphorus and sediment.
A Water-Use Basis for Criteria
Instream water quality criteria in this study are use-based, as discussed
at the beginning of this chapter. They have been designed to protect the
existing and projected uses of water in the study area. In particular, the
proposed criteria are designed to make surface waters suitable, wherever
attainable, for primary and secondary contact recreation, wildlife, and
fisheries in accordance with the national goal in PL 92-500. Whether the
proposed criteria actually satisfy the requirements of PL 92-500 has not
been tested yet. These criteria may be judged by the State or Federal
government not to be in compliance with the Federal law. In this case,
they should be revised.
Several assumptions were made about certain uses in the development of
criteria. For example, some water treatment is assumed to occur before water
is used by industry or municipalities. Most industries in the study area
presently store water in a forebay or small pond to ensure a dependable
water supply. During storage most of the suspended solids settle out.
Storage is assumed to continue as an industrial practice in the study area,
and therefore suspended solids criteria for industry have not been con-
sidered necessary.
Treatment is also assumed before water is used for public water supplies.
The type of treatment is described on Table 2-1. This treatment is commonly
done in the study area at the present time for surface water supplies.
Because this treatment is assumed before use, no coliform limits have been
set for drinking water supplies from surface waters. Conventional water
treatment is capable of routinely eliminating fecal coliform in the raw
drinking water supplies.
As noted on Table 2-1, fisheries criteria are based on the propagation and
protection of rainbow trout. EPA's Quality Criteria for Water state many
of the fishery criteria in terms of 96-hour LC50, which is the concentration
at which 50 percent of an indicator species population dies within 96 hours.
These concentrations vary considerably for different species of fish.
Fisheries criteria in this report were based on 96-hour LC50 for rainbow
trout, which is one of the most sensitive species to contaminants in water.
Rainbow trout is one of the two most important game fish within the study
area.
Salinity Criteria
Salinity refers to the dissolved solids in water. The major dissolved
species in the study area are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicar-
bonate, chloride, and sulfate. The salinity criteria developed in this
study include recommended levels for those dissolved species important to
the desired water uses, as well as for total dissolved solids.
2-li»
-------
Salinity is recognized by the criteria as an important water quality con-
stituent which can cause adverse physical and economic impacts on water
users. Some of these impacts are addressed through the incorporation of
EPA's Quality Criteria for Water. Table 2-6 shows the criteria related to
salinity in the EPA publication. The chloride criterion protects the
domestic water user from a salty taste in the water, and the sulfate crite-
rion protects the domestic water user accustomed to lower sulfate concen-
trations from the laxative effects of temporarily high sulfate concentra-
tions, Aquatic life is protected by the alkalinity criterion.
Table 2-6
EPA SALINITY CRITERIA
Constituent
Alkalinity
Chloride
Hardness
Sulfate
Criterion
20 mg/l or more as CaC03 for
fresh water aquatic life except
where natural concentrations
are less
250 mg/l or less for domestic
water supplies
No specific criterion recommended
250 mg/l or less for domestic
water supplies
Further salinity criteria have been recommended by the Colorado River Basin
Salinity Control Forum. The instream criteria adopted by the Forum call
for the maintenance of 1972 total dissolved solids levels on the lower
malnstem of the Colorado River. However, the criteria do not specify
salinity levels in the Upper Basin for the benefit of the Upper Basin
users.
Salinity criteria in addition to those shown on Table 2-6 have been developed
to identify what salinity levels can be tolerated by irrigators, livestock
and wildlife, industrial users and domestic users in the study area. These
criteria are discussed below.
Salinity Criteria for Agricultural Irrigation. To the irrigators in the
study area, total dissolved solids (TDS) and sodium adsorption ratios (SAR)
are two parameters of primary concern. High TDS reduces the crop's ability
to extract water from the soil, while high SAR ratios reduce the permeability
of the soil. The inter-relationship between TDS and SAR is shown on Figure 2-4,
where TDS is measured in terms of conductivity. Alfalfa, which is the most
important crop in the study area, belongs to the "medium" tolerance category
2-15
-------
SODIUM ADSORPTION RATIO
LOW HAZARD
MEDIUM HAZARD
HIGH HAZARD
VERY HIGH
HAZARD
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
O
o
m
cj
o
\
to
a
x
s
o
cc
o
»—I
z
>
H
t—4
>
I—I
I—
o
z>
Q
2
o
o
Inw HAZARD
MFDIUM HAZARD
HIGH HAZARD
VERY HIGH
HAZARD
FIGURE 2-4
SALINITY CRITERION FOR AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION
REFERENCEi USDA AGRICULTURAL HANDBOOK 60 (1954)
CH2M
-------
for TDS and SAR, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Therefore, the water quality goal for irrigation in the study area is taken
to be the shaded area on Figure 2-4.
It is important to note that Figure 2-4 should be strictly used for quality
of the soil water solution. This water quality depends not only on the
quality of the water applied to the land, but also on soil type, climate,
and water management practices. Because of the lack of good soil solution
water quality data in the study area, however, Figure 2-4 has been used to
approximate the necessary quality in the water applied to the land.
Salinity Criteria for Wildlife and Livestock Watering. The Wyoming Depart-
ment of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has imposed the following salinity
effluent limitations on produced water: (2) chlorides not exceeding 2,000 mg/l,
sulfates not exceeding 3,000 mg/l, and total dissolved solids not exceeding
5,000 mg/I. According to DEQ, these limits are based on the eventual use
of produced water for livestock watering. These limits are suggested in
this study as instream water quality criteria for wildlife and livestock
watering.
Salinity Criteria for Industry. Higher salinity levels increase the water
softening and demineralization costs for power plants and industries which
require boiler-feed water, process water, or cooling tower water. The
ideal water quality for industrial use is low mineral content in the water.
Because this water quality is technologically and economically unfeasible
to attain for the surface waters where industrial use is indicated, the
industries in the study area will bear some softening or demineralization
costs. The salinity criteria should give an indication of where these
costs are excessive.
The salinity criteria for industry in this study indicate the level where
estimated costs for salinity control exceed the benefits to the study area.
A benefit-cost analysis has already been made on the entire Colorado River
Basin for the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. The result of
the basin-wide study was the present position by the Forum that salinity
should not rise above 1972 levels in the Lower Colorado River Basin. A
benefit-cost analysis within the study area provides information to Wyoming
on whether instream or Stateline salinity standards would be beneficial to
the State. This analysis is done in Chapter 8.
The costs for salinity control in the study area are expected to be high.
Therefore, salinity criteria have been considered for those reaches where
the potential benefits to industry from reduced salinity levels are possibly
large enough to balance out the high costs of sajinity control. As discussed
later in Chapter 6, large industrial diversions exist or are projected to
(1) U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1954, Agricultural Handbook, 60.
(2) Produced water is defined in the Wyoming Water Quality Rules and
Regulations, Chapter VII, 1977, as underground water which is
brought to the surface through the pumping of oil and/or gas wells.
2-17
-------
occur only in six reaches—Big Island (#16), Green River (#17), Lower Green
River (#18), Green River Arm (#19), Blacks Fork Arm (#38), and Middle Hams
Fork (#47) . In this study only these six reaches have salinity criteria
for industry. Specific values for the criteria in these reaches are pre-
sented in Chapter 8 after an analysis of benefits and costs.
Salinity Criteria for Public Water Supply. EPA criteria on sulfates and
chlorides have been discussed earlier and have been included as criteria.
These criteria are related to health and aesthetic impacts of salinity.
Salinity also affects domestic water users economically through increased
water softening costs or, in the absence of water softeners, increased soap
costs. As with the industrial salinity criteria, the economically based
public water supply criteria have been considered only for those reaches
where the potential benefits to domestic water users from reduced salinity
levels are great. As discussed later in Chapter 4, large public water
supply diversions exist in four reaches—Bear River above Evanston (#6),
Green River (#17), Middle Hams Fork (#47), and Lower Hams Fork (#48). In
this study only these four reaches have economically based criteria for
public water supply. Specific values for the economically based public
water supply criteria will be developed from a benefit-cost analysis. This
analysis is done in Chapter 8.
Phosphorus Criterion
Eutrophication is over-fertilization of rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Some
of the conditions commonly associated with eutrophication are:
¦ High concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other nutrients
* Increased numbers and severity of algae and macrophyte (rooted
weed) blooms
¦ Lack of oxygen in deeper waters
¦ Reduced clarity and increased odors
« Reduction in the number of fish species
Eutrophication is more common in lakes and reservoirs, where the nutrients
delivered by streams can collect.
Eutrophication is an existing or potential problem in all the reservoirs
and lakes in the study area. EPA has conducted eutrophication surveys on
seven lakes and reservoirs within or near the study area. Results from
these surveys indicate that a reduction in phosphorus levels is likely to
reduce algae and weed growth. This improvement is likely to be accompanied
by other improvements, such as better aesthetics, larger game fish popula-
tions, and higher dissolved oxygen levels.
EPA has recommended that phosphorus levels be kept below 0.025 mg/l in
lakes and reservoirs and below 0.050 mg/l in streams. However, EPA has not
2-18
-------
considered the water quality data sufficiently strong to recommend that
these phosphorus values be adopted as water quality criteria. No phosphorus
criteria are listed in EPA's Quality Criteria for Water.
Eutrophication criteria developed in this study have been based on the
relationship between phosphorus and water clarity. Transparency is only
one of the measures of eutrophication. It has been selected for this study
because—
¦ There is sufficient data on it.
¦ Water clarity is a measure of water quality aesthetics to all
types of recreational users.
¦ It correlates well in the study area with other measures of
eutrophication, such as algal and macrophyte biomass, and anoxia.
Figure 2-5 depicts the relationship between Secchi desk transparency and
total phosphorus in the surface waters of seven lakes and reservoirs in
Southwestern Wyoming, Eastern Utah and Eastern Idaho. More than one loca-
tion was sampled in many reservoirs. The upstream station is labeled "1",
and other stations are numbered consecutively downstream. Three samples
were taken at most locations, one in late spring, one in midsummer, and one
in early fall. Therefore, three points are plotted for most locations.
For example, the three points labeled "V3" depict the water quality at
three different times of the year at the downstream station in Viva Naughton
Reservoir.
Figure 2-5 indicates that a correlation exists between phosphorus concentra-
tions and transparencies in all reservoirs except Viva Naughton. In general,
higher phosphorus concentrations are associated with lower transparencies.
A possible conclusion is that high phosphorus concentrations produce severe
algae blooms, which in turn reduce the transparency of the water. Silt and
suspended sediment may also affect transparency. However, the strong
correlation between phosphorus and transparency in six of the seven water
bodies at different times of the year suggests that algal growth is the
more important factor affecting water transparency. Some other factor
besides phosphorus may be limiting algal growth in Viva Naughton Reservoir,
which does not follow the pattern shown for the other water bodies on
Figure 2-5 v > J.
As shown on the figure, the relationship between transparency and total
phosphorus in the surface waters is not linear. This nonlinear pattern may
be caused by the conversion of algal populations at high phosphorus concentra-
tions from green algae to blue-green algae, which tend to clump near the
surface and severely restrict water clarity. There is little improvement
(1) Another possible explanation is that arsenic in the water is inter-
fering in the analytical test for phosphorus; this interference would
explain why phosphorus values appear higher than transparencies
warrant.
2-19
-------
G200-1
FIGURE 2-5
BASIS FOR PHOSPHORUS CRITERION
.NOTE*
LEGEND
BEAR LAKE
616 SANDY RESERVOIR
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
PALISADES RESERVOIR
SEMINOE RESERVOIR
VIVA NAUOHTOM RESERVOIR
WOODRUFF NARROWS RESERVOIR
STATIONS ARE NUMBERED 1 THROUGH N STARTING AT
THE UPSTREAM STATION. THE SAME STATION MAY BE
LISTED MORE THAN ONCE BECAUSE IT WAS SAMPLED
AT OIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE YEAR.
REGION BETWEEN LINES INCLUDES 95X OF DATA POINTS,
EXCLUOING THOSE FOR VIVA NAUGHTON RESERVOIR.
NOTE i
•BS1
OJOO-
•W1.W2
W2m
Zs™ twt
WATER QUALITY
CRITERION
O 030
•F4 •FS%P3
P2.F9
F6.F7.F8
•FB »F9
CrtiM
SSHIIL
SECCNf OISK TftANSPARCNjCY (INCHES)
-------
in transparency until phosphorus concentrations in the surface waters drop
below 0.080 mg/l, and there is no significant improvement in transparency
for phosphorus reductions below 0.030 mg/l. A phosphorus level of 0.030
mg/l in the surface waters is a reasonable water quality goal, because no
significant improvement in transparency is predicted through further phos-
phorus reductions. This phosphorus level is predicted to produce water
quality in the area's reservoirs and lakes equivalent to the present condi-
tions in Bear Lake or the lower reaches of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and
Palisades Reservoir.
There are not sufficient transparency data on the area's streams to recom-
mend a phosphorus criterion for streams on the basis of transparency. The
existing phosphorus loads in the streams have not impaired the recreational
use on them due to excessive algae or weed growths. Algal and weed growth
is heavy on the Blacks Fork below Lyman, but little recreational activity
occurs in this area. Algal growth is also moderately heavy in the Big
Island and Green River reaches of the Green River. This growth has caused
some clogging of industrial and municipal intakes in these reaches. In
order to reach desirable phosphorus concentrations in the lakes and reser-
voirs, phosphorus loads carried by streams will have to be reduced from
their existing levels. Thus, the phosphorus criterion for lakes and reser-
voirs may also protect the major streams from eutrophication.
Sediment Criterion
Turbidity and total suspended solids are frequently considered synonymous,
since both are often related to sediments. High turbidity or high suspended
solids in the Southwestern Wyoming area indicate that erosion has taken
place. Furthermore, high levels of either generally indicate a potential
impairment to fisheries, irrigation, and recreation.
There is no instream Wyoming standard for suspended solids. There is an
effluent Wyoming turbidity standard measured in Jackson Turbidity Units
(JTU). Point sources may not increase Turbidity by more than 10 JTU over
the seasonal norm. The EPA criterion for sediment is in terms of a change
in the compensation point from the seasonal norm. 0) However, the water
quality data on sediments are generally given in mg/l of total suspended
solids. Because the Wyoming standard and the EPA criterion for sediment
are in different units than the units used to measure sediment concen-
trations in the study area, violations of the standard or criterion cannot
be identified.
The Interim Clean Water Report for this study area presented possible
criteria for sediment based on the protection of fisheries. Those criteria
and their references are listed on Table 2-7. All of those criteria are
measured in the traditional units of mg/l of total suspended solids.
(1) The compensation point is the depth below the surface at which oxygen
consumption from respiration and decomposition equals oxygen produc-
tion by photosynthesis.
2-21
-------
Table 2-7
POSSIBLE FISHERIES CRITERIA FOR SEDIMENT
(mg/l of total suspended solids)
Level of
Protection
National
Academy of
Science,
1972 CD
McKee and
Wolf,
1963^2)
EPA,
Oct. 10,
1975(3)
Davies 6
Goettl,
Juiy 1976(4)
Ultimate
25
None
25
None
Good
80
Given
80
Given
Fair
400
400
(1) National Academy of Science and National Academy of Engineering, 1972,
Water quality criteria, 1972.
(2) Jack Edward McKee and Harold W. Wolf, 1963, Water quality criteria.
(3) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oct. 10, 1975, Quality criteria
for water , draft.
(4) Patrick H. Davies and John P. Goettl, July 1976, Aquatic life—Water
quality recommendations for heavy metals and other inorganic toxicants
in fresh water.
2-22
-------
However, none of those criteria has been adopted by Wyoming as a standard
or accepted by EPA as a criterion.
In order to measure a fisheries use impairment, this study has used 80 mg/1
of total suspended solids as the criterion for sediment. It is recognized
that this criterion may not reflect existing or potential fisheries use
impairment. However, until more information is gathered on harmful sediment
levels to fish in the study area, it will be used to indicate water quality
problems.
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
The previous section described the development of water quality criteria
for this study. Most of them were taken from three references—the National
Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations, Quality Criteria for Water, and
the existing Wyoming water quality standards. A phosphorus criterion, a
sediment criterion, and some salinity criteria were derived from other
sources of information. Their development was described in the previous
section.
This section presents the water quality criteria to be used in this study
to judge water quality. They have been separated into those for constitu-
ents whose concentrations have been monitored and those for constituents on
which no water quality data have been collected.
Instream Criteria For Sampled Constituents
The instream water quality criteria for each surface water use are presented
on Table 2-8 for 32 of the constituents on which some water quality data
have been collected. The source of the criteria for each use is identified
on Table 2-9. Four criteria have been developed specifically for this
study. They are total phosphorus, SAR, TDS, and total suspended solids.
As noted on Table 2-6, criteria for primary contact recreation, secondary
contact recreation, and agricultural irrigation apply only to the period
from May 1 to September 30. These uses are not expected to occur during
late fall and winter.
Several of the fisheries criteria listed on Table 2-8 have two levels based
on whether the fishery is game or nongame and whether the water is hard or
soft. Designations of game and nongame fisheries have been taken from
Stream Classifications in Wyoming, dated October 1, 1976. The only desig-
nated nongame fisheries in the study area occur in Twin Creek, Upper Bitter
Creek, the Blacks Fork reaches downstream of Smiths Fork, and Little Muddy
Creek.
A reach has been classified "hard water" if the average total hardness
concentration at a station in the reach exceeds 150 mg/l as CaC03. Those
reaches classified as "hard water" are Lower Big Sandy River; all Blacks
Fork reaches except Upper Blacks Fork; Lower Muddy Creek; and Twin Creek
during the October 1 - February 28 period.
The metal criteria on Table 2-8 pertain to the dissolved species only.
Toxicity data are not adequate to set criteria for the particulate forms.
2-23
-------
Tabic 2-1
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA BY USE FOR SAMPLED CONSTITUENTS
(1)
Constituent
Alkalinity
Ammonia, un-ioniz«d
(as N)
A runic
Barium
Beryllium
Boron
Cadmium
Secondary Primary Industrial
Contact Contact Stream Reservoir and Water
Recreation Recreation Aesthetics Lake Aesthetics Supply
Agricultural...
Irrigation
Wildlife
and
Livestock
Watering
TTTF"
O.SO
0.7S
Public
Water
Supply Fishery
>20
0.02
mir
1.0
0.010
Chloride
Chromium
Collform, Fecal
(#/100ml)
Color
Copper
w
250
o.os
1.0
TT
0.011 (soft)
1.1 (hard)
0.0004 (soft)
0.0013 (hard)
1,000
(2)
200
(2)
Fluoride
Iron
Lead
Free from Free from
0.10
(!)
O.OOi (soft)
O.Ot (hard)
Mercury (ug/IJ
Nickel
Nitrate + Nitrite
(as Nj
Oxygen, Dissolved
pH (units)
Phenol
Phosphorus, Total
(as P)
Polychlorinated
Blphenyls
Radioactivity
Cross Alpha Particle
Activity (pCI/i)
Selenium
Sodium Adsorption
TUT
O.OS
-5
1.0
o.oi (sort)
_5 (hardj_
Aerobic Aerobic
10
"OT
0.1 (soft)
1.0 (hard)
6.0
s.s-a.5
0.03
0.001
ID
IS
0.01
0.025
Solids, Total
Dissolved
(3)
(»)
$,000
(3)
Solids, Total
Suspended
(0
Sulfate
3.000
2 SO
change In degrees
C)
Turbidity (Max..
increase in JTU)
Zinc
I.r (cold
„ water)
2.2 (warm
water)
s.o
10 (game)
IS (nongame)
0.009 (soft)
0.072 (herd)
11) All criteria are In mg/l except for pH, sodium edsorptlon ratio, end where specified.
(2) Criteria apply only to the Mey 1-September 30 period.
(3) Criterion will be determined In Chapter I after examination of cost* and benefits.
(4) See Figure 2-4 In text. ,
(5) Should not reduce compensation point toy more then 10 percent from seasonally adjusted norm.
2-24
-------
Table 2-1
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
BY USE FOR SAMPLED CONSTITUENTS'1'
Constituent
Secondary
Contact
Recreation
Primary
Contact
Recreation
Stream
Aesthetics
Industrial
Reservoir and Water
Lake Aesthetics Supply
Agricultural...
Irrigation
Wildlife
and
Livestock
Watering
Public
Wetar
Supply
Fl.hery
Alkalinity
Ammonia, un-ionized
(as N)
>20
0.02
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Boron
Cadmium
0.10
O.SO
0.75
0.05
1.0
0.010
0.011 (soft)
1.1 (hard)
o.oooa (soft)
0.0012 (hard)
Chloride
Chromi um
Coiiform, Fecal
(»/100ml)
Color
Copper
1,000(2)
200«>
Free from
Free from
J, 466
25A
0.05
1.0
0.10
(5)
0.006 (soft)
0.06 (hard)
Fiuoridt
Iron
Lead
1.1
0.05
1.0
0.01 (soft)
5 (hard)
Mercury lug/ij
Nickel
Nitrate + Nitrite
(as N)
Oxygen, Dissolved
pH (units)
Aerobic
Aerobic
0.09
3
10
8.55
0.1 (soft)
1.0 (hard)
6.0
5.5-8.5
Phenol
Phosphorus, Total
(as P)
Polychlorinatad
8lphenyls
0.03
#.M1 "
o.ooi
Radioactivity
Cross Alpha Particle
Activity (pCI/l)
Selenium
Sodium Adsorption
Ratio
(«)
15
0.01
0.025
Solids, Total
Dissolved
Solids, Total
Suspandid
Sulfate
(3)
<«)
s.ooo
3.000
(3).
350
10
Temperature (Max.
changa in dagrtts
C)
1.1° (eold
water)
2.2 (warm
. water)
Turbidity {Max.
increase In JTU)
Zinc
5.0
10 (game)
15 (norgame)
0.00* (soft)
0.072 (hard)
(1) All criteria art In mg/l except for pH, sodium adsorption ratio, and where apaelflad.
(2) Criteria apply only to the May 1-Septamber 30 parlod.
(3) Criterion will b« determined In Chapter I alter examination of eoata and banaflta.
(#) Saa Figure 2-« In text.
(5) Should not reduca compensation point by mora thin 10 pareant from Masortally adjusted norm.
-------
Table 2-9
SOURCE OF WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
Surface Water Use
Secondary Contact Recreation
Primary Contact Recreation
Stream Aesthetics
Reservoir and Lake Aesthetics
Industrial Water Supply
Agricultural Irrigation
Wildlife and Livestock Watering
Public Water Supply
Fishery
Criteria Source
Wyoming Water Quality Standards
Wyoming Water Quality Standards
Quality Criteria for Water
Quality Criteria for Water
and 208 study
208 study
Quality Criteria for Water
and 208 study
Quality Criteria for Water
and Wyoming standards for
produced water
National Interim Primary
Drinking Water Regulations,
Quality Criteria for Water
and 208 study
Quality Criteria for Water,
Wyoming Water Quality Standards,
and 208 study
2-25
-------
Water quality criteria for the constituents on Table 2-8 have been generated
on a reach-by-reach basis on Table 2-10. When there are two or more criteria
for a particular constituent in a reach, the stiffest criterion has been
selected. For example, two arsenic criteria are applicable to Reach 6
(Bear River above Evanston), 0.10 mg/l for agricultural irrigation and 0.05
mg/l for public water supply. The arsenic criterion which appears on
Table 2-10 is 0.05 mg/l, which is the stiffer of the two applicable arsenic
criteria. As shown on Table 2-10, 22 sets of water criteria are needed to
cover the various use combinations in the 52 reaches within the study area.
The most common combination of uses is secondary contact recreation, stream
aesthetics, agricultural irrigation, wildlife and livestock watering and
fishery. This combination and associated criteria cover 19 of the 52
reaches.
Instream Criteria For Unsampled Constituents
Water quality criteria shown on Table 2-8 and Table 2-10 are for 32 constit-
uents on which some water quality data have been collected in the study
area. An additional 27 water quality criteria have no water quality data
associated with them. Criteria for these 27 constituents are presented on
a reach-by-reach basis on Table 2-11. The pesticide and metal criteria
pertain to the soluble species.
GROUND WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
Four existing or projected uses have been identified for ground water in
the study area. These uses are for industrial water supply, agricultural
irrigation, wildlife and livestock watering, and domestic and public water
supply. Water quality criteria for each of these uses are shown on Table 2-12.
The ground water quality criteria are the same as those used for evaluating
surface water quality with a single exception. The fecal coliform criterion
contained in the National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations (four
colonies per 100ml) has been included in the ground water drinking supplies
in the area are domestic rather than public water supplies and are not
undergoing conventional disinfection treatment before use.
2-26
-------
Table 2-10
SURFACE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA BY REACH FOR SAMPLED CONSTITUENTS
(1)
Roach Reach Reach Reach
T J755- TJT.9, *7157*6
10.12,21,
23,25,27,
34.37,40,4}
45,49,51
Reach
1,39,4*
Raftch
Raach
Reach
Raach
Reach
Constituents
Alkalinity (as CaC03)
Ammonia, Un-ionixed
(as N1
>20
0.02
>20
0.02
>20
0.02
0.10
>20
0.02
>20
0.02
0.05
>20
0.02
0.10
>20
0.02
>20
0.02
0.10
>20
0.02
0.05
>20
0.02
0.10
>20
0.02
0.10
Earium m
Beryllium
Boron (2)
0.011
0.0004
0.011
0.0004
0.011
0.75
0.0004
0.011
0.0004
1.0
0.011
0.75
0.0004
0.011
0.75
0.0004
0.011
0.0004(8'
0.011
0.75
0.0004
1.0
0.011
0.75
0.0004
1 .0
0.011
0.75
0.0004
0.011
0.75
0.0004
Chloride
Chromium
5,854
0.10
1 I,T1M
0.10
J.flOO
0.10
2,000
0.10
250
0.05
2,000
0.10
2,000
0.10
2,000
0.10
250
O.OS
250
O.OS
2,000
0.10
Coliform, Fecal
(•/100ml) I3)
Color
Cooper
200
(7)
0.006
1.000
(7)
0.006
1,000
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
1,000
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
1,000
(7) (8)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
Fluoride
1.0 ...
... 1,0
1.0
1.0
2.2
1.0
1.0
1.0
-M
2.2
1.0
2.2
1.0
1.0
Lead
Mercury (pg/l)
NickeJ
~oi
0.05
0.1
• 1 8.61
0.05
0.1
0.01
0.05
0.1
" 0.81 """
0.05
0.1
fl. 01
0.05
0.1
0.01
0.05
0.1
's.oimi
0.05
O.lU)
Ol
o.os
0.1
0. fil
o.os
0.1
0.01
0.05
0.1
0.01
o.os
0.1
Nitrate ~ Nitrite
(es N)
6.0
S.O
6.0
6.0
10
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
10
6.0
10
6.0
6.0
pH 1'
Phenol
Phosphorus, Tott!
(as P)
"XT-IS
' t.l-i.t
i. 5-4.5
4.5-J.5
0.03
6.5-8.5
0.001
{.5-1.5
0.03
8.5-1.5
6. 5-8.5
$.5-8.5
0.001
0.03
6.5-8.5
0.001
0.03
1.5*1.9
Polychiorinated
Biphenyls (pg/l)
Radioactivity—Cross
Alpha Particle
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
15
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
15
0.001
15
0.001
Selenium
6. M5
4.05!
—
0.025
0.01
6.035
0.02S
4.425
0.01
0.01
0.025
Sodium Adsorption
Ratio
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
Solids, Total
5,000
5.000
(6)
5.000
(5) (6)
(6)
5.000(<"
(6)
(5) (6)
(51(6)
WW
Solids, Total
Suspended
Sulfate
10
3.000
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
B0
3.000
1.1
SO
3.000
1.1
to
250
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
80
250
1.1
80
250
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
Turbidity
Zinc
16
0.009
~ 1ft
0.009
10
0.009
10
0.009
16
0.009
IS
0.009
13 /g\
0.009
' ID
0.009
10
0.009
10
0.009
10
0.00«
(1) Raach designations ire given on Table 2-2. All crltarla are In mg/l axcapt for pH, (odium adsorption ratio, and wh«ra specified.
(2) Agricultural irrigation criteria (arsenic whan equal to 0.10 mg/l, beryllium when equal to 0.50 mg/l, boron, sodium adsorption ratio, and
total dissolved solids) apply only to the May 1-September 30 period.
(3) Criterion applies only to the May 1-September 30 period.
(4) Criterion will be determined In Chapter I far Industry after examination of coats and benefits.
(5) Criterion will be developed In Chapter • for public watar supply after examination of costs and benefits.
(t) See Figure 2-4 In text.
17) Should not reduce compensation point by more than 10 percent from seasonally established norm.
ll Criterion applies to March 1-September 30 period. At other times, criteria are 1.1 mg/l for berryllum, 0.0012 mg/l for cadmium,
0.06 mg/l for copper, 5.0 mg/l tor laad, end 1.0 mg/l for nickel, and 0.072 mg/l for zinc because of harder water.
2-27
-------
Reach
T7
Reach
rc—
Reach
5?
Reach
IT5T
Reach
lOFas,
52
Reach
n—
Reach
55—
Reach
n—
Reach
n—
Reach
w—
Reach
57
>20
>20
>20
>20
>20
>20
>20
>20
>20
>20
0.02
O.OS
0.02
O.OS
0.02
O.OS
0.02
0.02
0.10
0.02
0.05
0.02
0.10
0.02
0.10
0.02
0.02
0.05
1.0
0.011
0.7S
0.0004
J.A
0.011
0.0004
1.0
0.011
0.0004
1.1
0.0012
0.011
0.75
0.0004
1.0
1.1
0.75
0.0012
1.1
0.75
0.0012
0.50
0.75
0.0012
0.011
0.0004
' '1.0 ' ¦'
0.011
0.75
0.0004
250
0.05
350
0.05
350
0.05
2,000
0.10
2,000
2,000
0.10
350
O.OS
'J,M3
0.10
3,000
0.10
2,000
0.10
350 "
0.05
200
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
200
(7)
0.006
1,000
(7)
0.06
1,000
1,000
(7)
0.006
1,000
(7)
0.06
1,000
(7)
0.06
200
(7)
0.06
1,000
(7)
0.006
1,000
(7)
0.006
^.2
1.0
" 2.3
1.0
2.2
1.0
1.0
1.0
2.2
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
" 3.3
1.00
0.01
O.OS
0.1
0.01
O.OS
0.1
0.01
O.OS
0.1
5.
0.05
1.0
0.05
0.01
0.05
0.1
5.
O.OS
1.0
5.
0.05
1.0
5.
O.OS
0.1
" 0.01
O.OS
0.1
0.01
O.OS
0. 1
10
6.0
10
6.0
10
6.0
6.0
Aerobic
6.0
10
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
10
6.0
6.5-8.5
0.001
4.5-4,5
0.001
0,03
6.5*8.5
0.001
0.03
6.5-8.5
6.5-8.5
0.^-8.5
0.001
" (.5-1.5 "
£.5-0.5
0.03
4.5-0.5
0.5-4.5' '
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
IS
15
15
15
IS
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.025
0.035
' 0.01
0.325
¦"WH
¦¦"ran
""0.01
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(«)
(4) (5) (6)
5.000 W
5.000(5)
5.000
5.000
(6)
(5)(8)
(61
(4)(6)
5,000
(4) (5) (6)
80
250
1.1
90
2S0
1,1
80
250
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
3,000
80
3.000
1.1
80
250
1.1
80
3,000
2.2
80
3.000
1.1
80
3.000
1.1
80
2SO
1.1
10
0.009
16
0.009
to
0.009
10
0.072
IS
0.009
10
0.073
15
0.072
10
0.072
—15
0.009
10
0.009
2-28
-------
Table 2-11
SURFACE WATER .QUALITY CRITERIA FOR CONSTITUENTS WITH NO WATER
QUALITY DATA
Constituents
Reach
(2)
Reach
(3)
Reach
(4)
Aesthetics (5)
Chlorine, Free
Residual 0.002
Cyanide 0.005
Cases, Total
Dissolved
(% saturation) <110
Oil and Crease 10
Pesticides (ug/l)
2, 4-D 100
2, 4, 5-TP, Silvex 10
Aldrin-Dieldrin 0.003
Chlordane 0.01
DDT 0.001
Demeton 0,1
Endosulfan 0.003
Endrin 0.004
Cuthion 0.01
Heptachlor 0.001
Lindane 0.01
Malathion 0.1
Methoxychlor 0.03
Mirex 0.001
Parathion 0.04
Toxaphene 0.005
Phthalate Esters 0.003
Radioactivity (pCi/l)
Radium-226 +
Radium-228 5
Strontium-90 8
Silver 0.05
Solids, Settleable
and Floating Free from
Sulfide, Undissociated
Hydrogen 0.002
(5)
0.002
0.005
<110
10
0.003
0.01
0.001
0.1
0.003
0. 004
0.01
0.001
0.01
0. 1
0.03
0. 001
0. 04
0.005
0.003
(6)
(5)
0.005
Free from
0.002
(1) All units in mg/l except as noted. Data used in this report came from
WRDS, STORET, and the SWWQPA monitoring program.
(2) Reaches 6, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 35, 39, 47, 48. Reach desiqnations are
listed on Table 2-2.
(3) Reaches 1-5, 7-13, 16, 18, 21-27, 29, 34, 36-38,40-46, 49-51. Reach
designations are listed on Table 2-2,
(4) Reaches 28, 30-33, 52. Reach destinations are listed on Table 2-2.
(5) Free from substances which settle to form objectionable deposits; which
float as debris, scum, oil, or other matter to form nuisances; which
produce objectionable color, odor, taste, or turbidity; which produce
undesirable or nuisance aquatic life; and which injure, are toxic, or
produce adverse physiological responses in humans, animals, or
plants.
(6) Criterion is 0.01 mg/l for nongame fisheries (Reaches 11, 29, 36, 44).
2-29
-------
Table 2-12
GROUNDWATER QUALITY CRITERIA BY USE(1)
Criterion
Wildlife
Industrial and Public
Water Agricultural Livestock Water
Constituent Supply Irrigation Watering Supply
Arsenic 0.10 0.05
Barium 1-0
Beryllium 0.50
Boron 0.75
Cadmium 0.010
Chloride 2,000 250
Chromium 0.05
Coliform, Fecal (#/100ml) 4
Copper 1.0
Fluoride 2.2
Lead 0.05
Mercury (mg/l) 0.05 2
Nitrate + Nitrite (as N) 10
Organic Chemicals
2, 4-D 0.1
2, 4, 5-TP Silvex 0.01
Endrin 0.0002
Lindane 0.004
Methoxychlor 0.1
Toxaphene 0.005
Phenol 0.001
Radioactivity (pCi/l)
Cross Alpha Particle
Activity 15
Radium 226+ Radium 228 5
Selenium 0.01
Silver 0.05
Sodium Adsorption Ratio (5)
Solids, Total Dissolved (3) (5) 5,000 (4)
Sulfate 3,000 250
Zinc 5.0
(1) All criteria in mg/l except for Sodium Adsorption Ratio or unless other-
wise noted.
(2) Agricultural irrigation criteria apply only to the March 1-September 30
period.
(3) Criterion will be developed later in report for industry after examination
of costs and benefits.
(4) Criterion will be developed later in report for public water supply after
examination of costs and benefits.
(5) See Figure 2-4 in text.
2-30
-------
Chapter 3
EXISTING INSTREAM WATER QUALITY
Most waters in the study area are sustaining fish and wildlife, do not pose
any health hazards, and are suitable for recreational purposes. However,
several reaches within the study area do have water quality problems.
Water quality problems are defined in this study in terms of the use of the
water, just as quality criteria have been given in Chapter 2 in terms of
use. A water quality problem is considered to exist when the quality
prohibits or impairs the identified use of that water. In other words, an
existing or potential use impairment is assumed to occur when instream
concentrations exceed the water quality criteria developed in Chapter 2.
This chapter identifies those reaches where existing water quality presents
an impairment of existing or projected uses of the reaches as established
in Chapter 2. Use impairment by projected future water quality is discussed
in Chapter 6.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has documented several
instances of instream concentrations in the study area exceeding existing
State and Federal water quality standards. These violations of water
quality standards are mentioned in this chapter. In all cases, the reaches
with violations of the standards also show use impairment. Use impairment
as defined in this report occurs when concentrations in a particular reach
have exceeded the criteria for the use.
WATER QUALITY DATA
Water quality data are abundant for the area. The abundance of data is
largely a result of documented salinity problems downstream in the Lower
Colorado River Basin and an early recognition of the potential water quality
impacts of energy development in the area.
Water quality data used in this study come from STORET, the Wyoming Water
Resources Data System (WRDS), and a monitoring program set up by SWWQPA.
Locations of the water quality and flow gauging stations used in this
report are shown on Figure 3-1. These stations are identified by the
STORET or WRDS name and number in Appendix A. Most of the stations are
located at the downstream end of a reach. Water quality within a reach is
a composite of all the water quality information from all the stations in
that reach. Water quality data cover the 1970-1976 period.
Three categories of water quality information exist within the study area.
The first category includes 18 constituents for which water quality data
exist in the study area, but for which no instream water quality criteria
have been developed. These constituents are calcium and total hardness,
total and dissolved Kjeidahl nitrogen, nitrite, dissolved reactive phosphorus,
3-1
-------
OL n
thayne
NUT L
NUMtH R INDICATES REACH IN
WHICH THE STATION IS LOCATED
• AFTON
10
?0
scale im **LtS
FREEMONT
-5V9LSITE 2AM
Sweetwater BigSsnd^
i?«ier voir
BAIWOIL
Los t
S o 1 d J p r I
SWEETWATER
I fort c «n« J i •
U««r/oi r
[cokevilue*
£«*• vtv*
Ss ugfiton j
46 •.
kemmerer1
SUPERIOR
zll
WAMSUTTER
k»
ORANGE
Narrovi
R«i«rroir
FIGURE 3-1
40 D
EVANSTON
LOCATION OF FLOW GAUGING
AHD WATER QUALITY STATIONS
Flaming dorg
Few•cvoir
20
UTAH
-------
chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, potassium, sodium, aluminum, magne-
sium, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, conductivity, carbon dioxide, and
algal biomass.
A second category includes 27 constituents with water quality criteria but
without water quality data available from any of the data sources used in
this report. These constituents are listed on Table 2-10. There are two
explanations why these constituents may not have been monitored in the
past. Many are organic chemicals that are not routinely analyzed and are
expensive to analyze. Also, water quality monitoring agencies have appar-
ently assumed that these constituents are not likely to reach critical
levels in the study area.
The final group includes 32 water quality constituents for which criteria
have been developed and for which data are available. These constituents
are listed on Table 2-9. Where water quality data and criteria on a con-
stituent are available, use impairments can be identified by measuring
existing water quality against the desirable water quality for each use.
If all the constituents with criteria in a reach have associated water
quality data, confident identification can be made of all use impairments
in a reach. However, in most reaches, many of the constituents with cri-
teria do not have water quality data associated with them. Figure 3-2
indicates those reaches with the most complete sampling of all constituents
with criteria. At least 75 percent of the constituents with criteria have
been monitored one or more times in the 22 reaches called out on the figure.
The extent of the water quality monitoring program to date is shown on
Table 3-1 for the 32 constituents for which water quality criteria have
been developed and on which water quality data are available. Several
conclusions can be made about the water quality monitoring program to date
from information contained on the table:
¦ Extensive monitoring of water quality has taken place in the
study area.
¦ The monitoring program has emphasized salinity-related and eutro-
phication-related constituents, dissolved oxygen, temperature and
pH.
¦ The monitoring program has been relatively weak in metals, in
organics such as phenols and polychlorinated biphenyls, and in
aesthetic-related constituents such as color.
¦ Widespread monitoring of fluoride, nitrates, and phosphorus has
occurred in reaches where the criteria for these constituents are
not applicable because the uses associated with the criteria are
not designated for those reaches.
DOCUMENTED V/ATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
DEQ publishes a 305 (B) report each year which documents general surface
water quality in Wyoming, violations of State Water Quality Standards, and
3-3
-------
IOAHO
> ST AIC I INE
4 ft
M O
e ¦
« *
» a ,
C U ».
I S*» TM5 f ORK
UTAH 5»*'*e LINE
U1 *M
I 5f*T€ C I Me
»ooo»*urr
Ima»»o«s
l»Fsewvoid
IOAHO STATf
l i we
SALT HI
L'PPt
UTAH
STATE L IMt:
HCOMONT
I I T Tt_6 HUOO
OF F*
BLACKS FOBK
CHURCH BUTT
LlTTLt 0»V
CRCEK
COlJNTY HIOHVA
MEAN RO0ERTSON
below
nu
AT LEAST 75% OF
CONSTITUENTS WITH
CRITERIA MONITORED
tiMcinc-swcF
COUN1T LINE
T"*TtgU^)
la barge
ST*C AN
SEO^FNT
FONTfMeLL
C«CEK
s oldie*
JACK HO»BO«
mi
alkal I
C«€fK
* * f
L 1 T. AHg»IC*a ' O ' \ f
VT*H
srtre t i»e O
*e *E»vom
ftnr* t*c«" ™c ™ 4k ~ (V7TT
1 ° li!°S
I
(N C««K
oocc
A
O-j H( NO Y s f im*
t 1
FIGURE 3-2
REACHES WITH HOST
C0HPLEJE HONlTOm
-------
Table 3-1
EXTENT OF WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN STUDY AREA
Constituent
Adequate Monitoring
Alkalinity
Boron
Chloride
Fluoride
Oxygen, Dissolved
pH
Phosphorus, Total
Sodium Adsorption
Ratio (SAR)
Solids, Total
Dissolved
Sulfate
Temperature
Poor Monitoring
Ammonia, Un-ionized
Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Coliform, Fecal
Copper
Iron
Lead
Mercury
Nickel
Nitrate + Nitrite
Selenium
Solids, Total
Suspended
Turbidity
Zinc
Water
Quality
Criterion
and Data
36
24
35
9
39
34
7
26
33
37
38
26
16
21
18
27
18
27
24
21
17
7
20
27
28
23
Water
Quality
Criterion,
No Data
Water
Quality
Data,
Criterion
Not
Applicable
(Number of Reaches)
10
10
17
3
13
12
1
19
15
8
20
20
25
28
25
28
19
22
31
29
5
26
19
18
23
5
n
o
26
0
4
27
10
0
0
6
3
5
2
2
0
2
5
5
0
1
16
2
5
5
2
Wa ter
Quality
Criterion
Not
Applicable,
No Data
1
7
0
14
0
2
17
3
11
4
4
0
4
1
1
0
5
24
4
1
1
4
Inadequa te
Barium
Beryllium
Color
Phenol
Polychlorinated
Biphenyls
Radioactivity—Cross
Alpha Particle
Activity
2
12
1
0
10
34
45
12
40
11
33
3
6
39
39
3-5
-------
violations of NPDES discharge permits. Violations of State Water Quality
Standards in 1976 in the study area are shown on Figure 3-3. The temperature
violations were considered marginal and not harmful to fisheries. Wide-
spread violations of the pH standard were also found in the study area;
however, all these violations were marginal and attributed to natural
causes.
The Green River in the Lower Green River reach was designated by DEQ as a
"problem segment" because of high feca! coliform and nutrient concentrations.
Killpecker Creek was identified as a possible "problem segment."
MEASUREMENT OF WATER QUALITY
Two interpretations of use impairment have been made in this study. Under
the first interpretation, a water use is considered impaired if the concen-
tration in any sample exceeds the water qual ity criterion. Under the
second interpretation, a water use is considered impaired if the concentra-
tions of a particular constituent exceed the water qual ity criteria for
that use a certain percentage of the time. Which of the two interpretations
of water quality is the more suitable depends on the constituent being
considered. The selected approach to each constituent whose water quality
criteria have been exceeded is presented on Table 3-2.
Maximum-Concentration Approach
The maximum-concentration approach has been selected for all constituents
associated with acute or short-term effects. These effects include—
H The toxicity to fish of temporarily high ammonia or low dissolved
oxygen concentrations.
a The greater possibility of bacterial and viral infections with
consumption of water containing fecal coliforms.
¦ Eutrophication associated with temporarily high phosphorus concen-
trations.
h The laxative consequences of water temporarily high in sulfates.
" Dehydration in livestock and wildlife because of their avoidance
of water temporarily high in chlorides.
¦ Blood disorders in infants drinking water temporarily high in
nitrates and nitrites.
Table 3-3 identifies those reaches in which concentrations in any sample
have exceeded the criteria. Under this first interpretation of water
quality, every use except stream aesthetics has at least one reach where
impairment of that use occurs. Fishery has the greatest number of impaired
reaches; 29 of the 34 reaches on which data are available, and 29 of the 46
reaches which designate a fishery as an existing or potential use, show
impairment of this use.
3-6
-------
• 1>®LETTE-S»EET»
C0UH1T LIN?
L A QAMGC
£"H*
FOHTfNELtf
c»ee«
TEMPErtATURE
LITTLE "UOOt
o-
FECAL COLlFORH
OlSSOLVEO OXYGEN
BLACKS torn*.
LIT. AMEBIC*
CHUWCH BuTTEJ
-o
ontewelli
lestftvoi*
VME»C ABSENT
l«01 CA1E5 He*D«*T(B5
TEMf'ERATUHE
al<~» j
{•»*,* L».i. )—Ylfcuj^rppJ
IACK WO«KO«
ALKAL 1
CMC*
FECAL COL 1 FORM
»ESC»vot*
T A U «A Tf«$
—O *• ¦
il
FECAL COL I FORM
{BIT TEW C»EE»| ^ [eiTTgn C*FE«|
WIDtK-t J
'
»' * ii
frt.ANfMG \
GO«GP 1
RESt»VO l»J
DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS
OF STATE WATER QUALITY
STANDARDS IN 1976
-------
Table 3-2
MEASUREMENT OF WATER QUALITY
Selected Approach to Water Quality
Maximum Concentration Concentration Greater
In Any Sample Greater Than Water Quality
Than Water Quality Criterion One-Half
Constituent Criterion of the Time
Ammonia, Un-ionized X
Beryllium X
Boron X
Cadmium X
Chloride X
Coliform, Fecal X
Copper X
Iron
X
Lead X
Mercury X
Nitrate-Nitrogen X
Oxygen, Dissolved X
PH
X
Phosphorus, Total X
SAR-TDS X
Solids, Total
Dissolved X
Solids, Total
Suspended X
Sulfate X
Zinc X
3-8
-------
Table 3-3
REACHES IN WHICH CRITERIA ARE EXCEEDED IN ANY SAMPLE
Use
Secondary Contact
Recreation
Primary Contact
Recreation
Stream Aesthetics
Reservoir and Lake
Aesthetics
Industrial Water Supply
Agricultural
Irrigation
Wildlife and Livestock
Watering
Public Water Supply
Fishery
Exceeded Criterion
Fecal Coliform
(1)
Fecal Coliform (Local Coal)
Fecal Coliform (National
Coal)
None
Total Phorphorus
Total Dissolved Solids
Boron
SAR-TDS
Chloride
Mercury
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Nitrate
Radioactivity—Cross
Alpha Particle
Activity
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Ammonia, Un-ionized
(worst conditions)
Ammonia, Un-ionized
(average conditions)
Beryllium
Cadmium
Copper
Iron
Lead
Mercury
Oxygen, Dissolved
pH
Solids, Total Suspended
Zinc
Reach Number
(2)
18,29, 31,32, 33,
40,47
13,15,16, 17, 18
10, 13,15, 16, 17, 18,
25,35,36,37,47
5, 8, 19,20,24,38,
46
Criterion not yet
developed
40,47
10,16,17,IS, 25,27,
29,35,37,40,48,
51
33
1,13,15,17,25,44,
51
29, 33
33
4
40
17, 20,35, 48
Criterion not yet
developed
1,13,17,18,27,29,
43, 44, 47,48,51
None
27,34
1,8, 11, 1
18.25,
44.47,
8, 11, 13,
35
1-13,17,
1,13,15,
51
1, 18,20,
1-5,13,1
18,20,
35,37,
47.48,
1,11,13,
25.26,
35,37,
47,48,
1,6,8,11
18,20,
40,44,
51
3, 15, 17,
29, 39,40,
48, 51
17,25,48
20
17, 25,44,
47, 48
5, 16, 17,
25, 27,34,
39,43,44,
49
16,17,22,
27, 29, 34,
40,43,44,
50,51
, 13, 15, 17,
25,29, 35,
47,48, 49,
(1) Criteria which have not been exceeded are not included.
(2) Reach designations are defined on Table 2-2.
3-9
-------
Table 3-3 shows two sets of information for primary contact recreation. As
discussed in Chapter 2, the local goal and the national goal differ on the
number of reaches designated for primary contact recreation. Eight more
stream reaches are designated for this use under the national goal than
under the local goal. Therefore, fecal coliform criteria for the use are
applicable in eight more reaches under the national goal. Because of this
difference, eleven reaches have fecal coliform concentrations exceeding
criteria for primary contact recreation under the national goal, while only
five reaches have concentrations exceeding criteria under the local goal.
It is important to emphasize that the criteria are the same for both goals.
The differences between the two goals are caused by the larger number of
reaches designated for primary contact recreation under the national goal.
Table 3-3 also shows two sets of information for ammonia under the fishery
use classification. To determine un-ionized ammonia concentrations requires
concurrent monitoring of total ammonia, pH and temperature. Such concurrent
monitoring has seldom been done in the study area. Thus, un-ionized
ammonia concentrations have been estimated in two ways: (1) assume that
the highest recorded water temperature and pH occurred at the time of
sampling for total ammonia and (2) assume that the average temperature and
pH occurred at the time of sampling for ammonia. The first method repre-
sents worst possible conditions, while the second method represents more
likely conditions. As shown on Table 3-3, no un-ionized ammonia excesses
occur under the more likely conditions.
Percentage-Of-Time Approach
The percentage-of-time approach has been selected for all constituents
associated with chronic, cumulative, or long-term effects. These constituents
include—
¦ Metals, which are not acute toxins at concentrations found in the
study area.
* Boron, which is a cumulative poison to crops.
¦ SAR-TDS, which when in high concentrations in irrigation water,
tend to break down soil structure over time and make water less
available to crops.
¦ Total dissolved solids (TDS), which can lead to gall-stones in
cattle with prolonged consumption.
» TDS, which is related to increased costs for industry and domestic
water uses.
* Total suspended solids, whose eventual deposition can cause a
loss of fish habitat.
Also, pH has been included in the chronic category because it strongly
affects the ammonia concentrations and solubility of metals.
3-10
-------
Under the second interpretation, a water use is considered impaired if the
concentrations of a particular constituent exceed the water qual ity criteria
for use a certain percentage of the time. An example of the type of graph
used to determine this percentage of time is given on Figure 3-4. As shown
in the figure, fecal coliform concentrations in the Lower Green River r^ach
are estimated to remain within the secondary contact recreation criterion
68 percent of the time in the wet period (April-September) and 83 percent
of the time in the dry period (October-March) .
Two assumptions were made about the water quality data in order to develop
a graph like Figure 3-4. The first assumption was that there is a statis-
tically norma! distribution for the two populations of water quality data,
those obtained during the wet period and those obtained during the dry
period. The disparate populations are a result of the different relative
importance of surface runoff and ground water to the total streamflow.
Surface runoff is a much larger contributor to streamflow and contaminant
loadings during the wet period.
A second assumption concerning the water quality data was that sampling
frequency was consistent during the wet and dry periods. The x-axis on
Figure 3-4 should be labeled strictly the "percentage of samples with a
concentration less than y." However, if sampling frequency is consistent
during the period, the percentage of samples is approximately equal to the
percentage of time. For many of the constituents which have been routinely
monitored on a monthly basis, this assumption appears generally valid.
However, for constituents such as metals, which have been monitored less
consistently, this assumption may not be valid.
Those constituents whose water quality criteria have been exceeded at least
one-quarter of the time in at least one reach are listed on Table 3-4.
The percentage of time a criterion is exceeded has been rounded to the
nearest quarter. For primary contact recreation, secondary contact recrea-
tion, and agricultural irrigation, whose criteria apply only to the wet
period, the percentage of time refers to that fraction of time during the
wet period (April-September) that the criteria are exceeded.
Selected Approach
A comparison of the two interpretations of use impairments on Table 3-5
shows that the second interpretation of water quality may indicate better
water quality in the study area than does the first interpretation. For
example, the first interpretation yields impairment of fisheries in 29
reaches. The second interpretation shows fishery impairment in only 13 reaches
if criteria are to be exceeded less than 50 percent of the time, and 19 reaches
if criteria are to be exceeded less than 25 percent of the time.
In this report, a water quality problem is defined as the impairment of an
existing or projected water use. Impairment is assumed to occur (1J if a
constituent associated with acute effects has exceeded the water quality
criterion in any sample, or (2) if a constituent associated with chronic
effects exceeds the water quality criterion more than one-half of the time.
Information is available in this report to select one-quarter, one-half,
3-11
-------
1 0.5 0 2 0 1 0 05 0 01
o
o
N.
X
(Z
O
ti-
o
u
<
o
UJ
li.
99 cq
99.9 90 3
2500
MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION IN ANY SAMPLE
2000
1500
SECONDARY CONTACT RECREATION
PRIMARY CONTACT RECREATION
1000
0.01 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.5 1
2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 98 99
PERCENTAGE OF TIME CONCENTRATION LESS THAN Y
FIGURE 3-4
FECAL COL I FORM CONCENTRATIONS IN THE
LOVER 6REEN RIVER REACH (REACH #18)
99 8 99.9 99-99
(.! V'M
"MIL!
-------
Table 3-1
PERCENTAGE OF TIME CRITERIA ARE EXCEEDED
Use
Secondary Contact
Recreation
Primary Contact
Recreation
Stream Aesthetics
Reservoir and Lake
Aesthetics
Industrial Water
Supply
Agricultural Irrigation
Wildlife and Livestock
Watering
Public Water Supply
Fishery
(»)
Exceeded Criterion
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Collforin
None
Total Phosphorus
Total Dissolved Solids
Boron
SAR-TDS
Chloride
Mercury
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Dissolved Solids
Sulfate
Ammonia, Un-lonlzed
(worst conditions)
Beryllium
Cadmium
Copper
Lead
Mercury
pH
Total Suspended Solids
Zinc
Reach
P?] IaiJ SI
Bfl §
(2fcy2)
Insufficient number of samples
Criteria not yet developed
EBB
M
] Pi!
Criteria not yet developed
H B
ft H
IB
BBSS
p] gi ik] m f&i
LEGEND
J Reach designations defined on Table 2-2
Criterion exceeded one-quarter of the time
Criterion exceeded one-half of the time
y Criterion exceeded three-quarters of the time
Criterion exceeded all the time
B H i £1 ES K
(1) Criteria which have not been exceeded at least one-quarter of the time are not included.
(2) Applicable only under national goal, where primary contact recreation is a designated use for this reach.
-------
Table 3- 5
COMPARISON OF TWO INTFRPRFTATIONS OF USF IMPAIRMFNT
Number of Reaches Showing Use Impairment
Use
Secondary Contact
Recreation
Primary Contact
Recreation * '
Stream Aesthetics
Reservoir and Lake
Aesthetics
Agricultural Irrigation
Wildlife and Livestock
Watering
Public Water Supply
Fishery
Interpretation #1
Maximum Concentration
Fxceeds Criterion
11
0
7
13
9
6
29
Interpretation #2
Concentration Fxceeds Criterion
1/1 of
Time
3
0
NSI
13
H
1
19
(2)
1/2 of
Time
2
0
NSI
7
1
0
13
(2)
3/4 of
Time
2
0
NSI
5
0
0
5
(2)
All of
Time
0
0
NSI
2
0
0
2
2)
(1) Under national goal.
(2) NSI = not sufficient information.
-------
three-quarters, or 100 percent as the evaluation criterion when formulating
final plans for constituents associated with chronic effects. One-half
has been chosen because the impaired uses given this criterion correspond
most closely to the apparent water quality problems in the study area.
SURFACE WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
Use impairments are shown by reach on Figures 3-5 through 3-13 for the nine
water uses in the study area. These figures are located at the end of this
chapter. The constituents that exceed the criteria in each case are given
on Table 3-6. Many of the uses shown as impaired in this section of the
report are presently being exercised without any apparent curtailment of
use. Specific instances are discussed under the section for each use. In
general, possible reasons for this discrepancy are listed below:
¦ Certain water quality criteria may be overprotective of the uses.
The metal criteria for fisheries may be among these, because the
strictest literature criteria were selected in most cases.
However, these criteria were based on toxicities to rainbow
trout, which is one of the two most common game fish in the study
area.
¦ Water quality data taken at one station may not adequately charac-
terize water quality along the entire length of the reach. All
18 reaches which have two or more water quality stations show
some change in water quality along the length of the reach. The
biggest changes in water quality within a reach generally occur
in the upper reaches of the Green River and Blacks Fork and in
the tributaries. However, many of the impaired uses and most of
the use of water occur in the lower reaches. Therefore, the
changes in water quality within a reach appear relatively unimpor-
tant to the measurement of water quality impacts in the study
area. The one reach where the change in quality has been identi-
fied as being important to adequately measure use impairment is
the Upper Big Sandy. This exception is discussed later in the
"Agricultural Irrigation" section and noted on Figure 3-10.
¦ Some of the use impairment is related to chronic effects, whose
impact may be only partially realized at the present time or may
be subtle, such as lower fish propagation rather than fish kills.
Use impairments and documented water quality problems are identified below
for all nine uses in the study area. As shown on Figure 3-2, many reaches
do not have enough water quality data to permit identification of all
possible use impairments. In a few cases, use impairment in these reaches
has been assumed because of supportive water quality data from adjacent
reaches. These cases are shown on Figures 3-5 through 3-13, and the reaches
involved are designated "assumed use impairment."
3-15
-------
Table 3-6
SUMMARY OF USE IMPAIRMENTS FOR SURFACE WATER
Reach
(1)
Secondary
Contact
Recreation
Primary
Contact
Recreation
Stream
Aesthetics
Reservoir
and Lake
Aesthetics
Industrial
Water
Supp'x-
Ag rlcultura!
Irrigation
Livestock
and Wildlife
Watering
Publ lc
Water
Supply
Fishery
(3)
TDS
Cd.DO.NH3.Zn
Zn
Zn
Zn
9
10
M
12
13
1 n
FC
(2)
FC
Cd
Cu.NH-
15
16
3 7
18
19
FC
FC
FC
FC
"FC
TDS
TDS
TDS
TDS
TDS. SO,
Cd.Cu.Pb.Zn.TSS.NH,
DO.TSS.NH, 3
DO
DO. Zn
20
21
22
23
24
+W-
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
FC
FC
FC
FC
FC
SAR-T55
SAR-TDS
T53
TSS
Be.pH.TSS.NH
¦"sorrcr"
~5s:
T55.NH,
aso^Tts
33
34
35
36
37
FC
FC(2)
FCt2)
FC
Tor
SAR-TDS
SAR-TDS
SAR-TDS
sou
TSS
36
39
40
42
FC
SAft-TDT"
SAR-TDS
i43
44
45
4C
±h-
TSS.NH-
tss,nw;
TSS"
TDS. SO
DO,
„ DO.NH^
47
49
50
FC
FC
TDS
SAft-TSS""
51
52
NH3
(1) Reach designations on Table 2-2.
(2) Use impairment under the national goal only.
(3) Impairments with respect Id ammonia reflect worst possible conditions.
Symbols
Ammonia
NH,
Beryllium
Be
Cadmium
Cd
Chloride
CI
Conform, Fecal
FC
Copper
Cu
Lead
Pb
Oxygen, Dissolved
DO
Phosphorus, Total
P
Sodium Adsorption Ratio
SAP.
Solids. Total Dissolved
TDS
Solids, Total Suspended
TSS
Sulfate
SO„
Zinc
Zn
3-16
-------
Secondary Contact Recreation
Impairment of secondary contact recreation in the study area is a result of
high fecal coliform concentrations. Impairment is indicated in eight
reaches within the study area. Five of these are in the Bitter Creek
drainage: a sixth reach is Lower Green River, directiv below the confluence
of the Green River and Bitter Creek. The other two reaches are Lower
Smiths Fork and Middle Hams Fork.
As noted earlier in this chapter, violations of the fecal coliform standard
have been documented by DEQ in the 305(B) report for 1976. These violations
have occurred in the four reaches of Killpecker Creek, Lower Bitter Creek,
Lower Green River, and Middle Hams Fork.
Primary Contact Recreation
Impairment of primary contact recreation is indicated in five reaches under
the locally generated goal and in eleven reaches under the national goal.
Under the local goal, all use impairments are shown along the mainstream of
the Green River. Under the national goal, use impairments are also shown
for the Border reach of the Bear River, the Upper Big Sandy reach, three
reaches on the Blacks Fork, and Middle Hams Fork.
DEQ has documented the fecal coliform violation in the Lower Green River
reach (#18). This reach contains several popular swimming locations.
Stream Aesthetics
No impairment of stream aesthetics has been documented from the limited
water quality information. The aesthetic value of the Green River between
the Sublette-Sweetwater county line and Big Island is considered to be
high, according to a report by the Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute.
However, concern has been expressed in public meetings held by SWWQPA about
excessive algal growth in the lower reaches of Blacks Fork and about trash
and garbage along the banks of Bitter Creek as it flows through Rock Springs.
Reservoir and Lake Aesthetics
Impairment of reservoir and lake aesthetics is indicated in all water
bodies except Bear Lake, which is located just west of the WyomingHdaho
line. As shown on Figure 3-14, repeated from Figure 2-5, phosphorus concen-
trations at 5 to 6 feet below the surface exceed the phosphorus criterion
of 0.030 mg/l at one or more stations in all reservoirs and lakes except
Bear Lake. The graph shows the close relationship between phosphorus and
aesthetics, as measured by water transparency, for all reservoirs and lakes
in the region except Viva Naughton.
The graph also shows that impairment is generally more common in the upstream
reaches of a reservoir. For example, impairment is indicated in the Green
River Arm (Station F1) of Flaming Gorge, in the Blacks Fork Arm (F2), and
just below the confluence of the two arms (F3). No impairment occurs at
the other Wyoming stations (F4 and F5) or the Utah stations (F6 through F9)
in Flaming Gorge.
3-17
-------
QISO
e
BS
F
P
S
V
w
LEGENO
SEAR LAKF
BIO SANDY RESERVOIR
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
PALISADES RESERVOIR
SEMINO E RESERVOIR
VIVA NAUGHTON RESERVOIR
WOODRUFF NARROWS RESERVOIR
STATIONS ARE NUMBERED 1 THROUGH N STARTING AT
THE UPSTREAM STATION. THE SAME STATION MAY BE
LISTED MORE THAN ONCE BECAUSE IT WAS SAMPLED
AT DIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE YEAR.
REGION BETWEEN LINES INCLUDES 95* OF DATA POINTS,
EXCLUDING THOSE FOR VIVA NAUGHTON RESERVOIR.
• BS I
• W?
•W1.W2
w?«
WATER QUALITY
• P2
CRITERION
F6.F7.FB
I I Mini- .5
PHOSPHORUS AND WATER TRANSPARENCY
~ P5
T5#*P5~
T Gk
03 «F 9
IB?
~ P4
vrB
SEC CHI DISK TRANSPARENCY (INCHFS)
OfcM
::hiu
-------
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted eutrophication
surveys on five reservoirs in the study area and on Bear Lake. The trophic
status of each water body and the factors limiting algal and weed growth
during the summer and fall are presented on Table 3-7. Conditions in the
lake and reservoirs span the spectrum from under-productive, fish-poor Bear
Lake to algae-clogged Woodruff Narrows. The three most important bodies
for recreation— Bear Lake, Flaming Gorge, and Palisades--are alI phosphorus
limited or co-limited. All reservoirs designated eutrophic by EPA have
phosphorus concentrations at 5 to 6 feet below the surface which exceed the
phosphorus criterion.
Eutrophication can have impacts in the study area beyond aesthetics.
Possible impacts include a shift from game to nongame species in Flaming
Gorge Reservoir and impaired boating and fishing due to weeds snagging
propellers and fishing gear.
Industrial Water Supply
Industrial use impairment is shown on Figure 3-9 for six reaches. In these
reaches, industrial consumption of water is high and potential industrial
benefits from salinity control are great. Four of the reaches are along
the mainstem of the Green River below the Big Sandy River, and the other
two are on the Hams Fork and Blacks Fork.
Agricultural Irrigation
Impairment of agricultural use of water for irrigation is indicated in nine
reaches within the study area. Five of these reaches are located in the
Blacks Fork drainage. Although impairment is shown in the Upper Big Sandy
reach, crop production has not appeared to be adversely affected in the
reach. An impairment is indicated on the basis of the data because the
sampling station is located below almost all of the irrigated acreage in
the reach and is measuring high TDS values, probably as a result of the
irrigation activities. The water used for irrigation in this reach, however,
is diverted at the extreme upper end of the reach where there are no data
to evaluate its suitability for agricultural irrigation.
High total dissolved solids concentrations are the reason for agricultural
impairment in all cases. Sodium adsorption ratios are well below critical
levels in all reaches except Upper Bitter Creek and Lower Smiths Fork.
Although the data used in this study indicate an agricultural use impairment,
curtailment of irrigation activities due to use of surface water has not
been observed. It may be that flood irrigation in spring, which is a
common practice in all the reaches designated as impaired by this report,
leaches out salts which have accumulated over the previous irrigation
season.
Wildlife and Livestock Watering
Impairment of wildlife and livestock watering is indicated in two reaches,
both in the Bitter Creek drainage. Impairment is a result of high chloride,
sulfate, and total dissolved solids concentrations.
3-19
-------
Table 3-7
EUTROPHI CATION OF LAKFS AND RESERVOIRS IN STUDY AREA
(1)
Lake or Reservoir
Bear Lake
Big Sandy
Flaming Gorge
Fontenel le
Pal isades
Viva Naughton
Woodruff Narrows
Trophic Status
01 igotrophic
Eutrophic
Eutrophic in Wyoming*
Mesotrophic in Utah
Mesotrophic
Futrophic
Eutrophic
Limiting Factor
Phosphorus,
N itrogen
Turbi dity
Phosphorus
(1)
Phosphorus,
Nitrogen
N itrogen
N itrogen
(1) From draft reports, EPA National Eutrophication Survey.
3-20
-------
Public Water Supply
Impairment of public water supplies is indicated in seven reaches. High
sulfate concentrations are the reason for impairment in the Green River
reach, from which the Rock Springs-Green River area obtains its water.
Sulfate is also the cause of use impairment in Flaming Gorge, Lower Hams
Fork and the Lyman reach, while radioactivity is the cause in the Lower
Smiths Fork reach. Total dissolved solids are indicated on Table 3-6 as a
major economic concern in four reaches.
DEQ documented several violations of the 1962 U.S. Public Health Service
drinking water standards in 1975 and 1976. Lead concentrations in the
Green River near LaBarge and mercury concentrations in the Green River
below Fontenelle Dam exceeded the respective standards. Violations in 1975
and 1976 of the iron and manganese standards, which are not included in the
latest National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations, were widespread
throughout the study area. All violations were attributed to natural
causes.
DEQ also noted that radioactivity in the Smiths Fork near Lyman exceeded
the recommended levels stated in the National Interim Primary Drinking
Water Regulations. The violation was attributed to natural erosion of
Wyoming's moderately abundant radioactive soils.
Laxative effects from high sulfate water have been experienced by visitors
to the Rock Springs-Green River area during 1977. No other adverse health
effects have been attributed to drinking water quality in the study area.
Figure 3-12 shows impairment of public water supplies due to only health
and aesthetics impacts. Additional impairment occurs because of the economic
impacts of hardness in the water. This impairment is discussed in Chapter 4.
Fisheries
Impairment is indicated on 20 reaches within the study area. Several of
these reaches are considered "blue-ribbon" fisheries by the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department. Possible reasons for this disparity are discussed
below.
Many of the use impairments are attributed in part to excessive concentrations
of un-ionized ammonia. As noted earlier in this chapter, assumptions
concerning pH and temperature had to be made in order to calculate un-ionized
ammonia concentrations from the water quality data on total ammonia. The
earlier discussion showed that ammonia excesses were unlikely to have
occurred unless pH and temperature were extremely high at the time of
sampling. Therefore, the ammonia information presented on Table 3-6
should be taken not as actual ammonia excesses but rather as indicators
where further monitoring should be done in order to define if excessive
amounts of ammonia are present in the streams.
Two other constituents shown to cause widespread fishery impairments are
total suspended solids and heavy metals. As noted in Chapter 2, there is
3-21
-------
considerable uncertaincy about the proper criteria for these constituents
necessary to protect fisheries in the study area. The criteria used in
this study may be overprotective. Because of the uncertainty about criteria
levels and the absence of any documented evidence in the study area relating
fisheries impairments to excessive concentrations of suspended solids or
heavy metals, it is unlikely that control programs for these constituents
would be acceptable.
A fish kill occurred in 1975 in the headwaters of the Big Sandy River. The
location of the kill is outside of the study area. No reasons were found
by DEQ for the kill.
Changes in fish population in Flaming Gorge Reservoir from game to nongame
fish are described in the next chapter. These changes may be attributed to
secondary effects of eutrophication.
The literature mentions low temperatures and turbidity in the mainstem of
the Green River as potential causes of game fish population reductions.
However, no changes in game fish populations have been correlated with
either temperature or turbidity.
SUMMARY OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY
Table 3-6 shows the use impairments based on a strict application of the
criteria developed in Chapter 2. As noted earlier, many of the uses shown
as impaired are presently being exercised with no apparent use impairment.
Several possibilities have been advanced to explain this discrepancy:
certain criteria may incorrectly identify use impairments; water quality
data taken at one station in a reach may not characterize water quality at
the point in the reach where the use is actually exercised; and use impair-
ments may be so subtle so as not to be readily apparent. For these reasons,
some of the use impairments shown on Table 3-6 may not actually exist.
The goal of the 208 planning process in Southwestern Wyoming is an imple-
mentable program of water quality management. Therefore, the water quality
management plan will focus on the more obvious and what appear to be the
more serious water quality problems in the study area. Those water quality
problems emphasized in the plan are noted on Table 3-8. Other constituents
shown on Table 3-6, such as ammonia and total suspended solids, will also
be addressed in the plan but in less detail.
GROUND WATER PROBLEMS
The primary uses of ground water in the study area are for domestic and
livestock consumption. Domestic consumption of ground water in excess of
the sulfate criterion of 250 mg/l is common in Sweetwater County. Livestock
consumption of ground water in excess of the TDS, sulfate, and chloride
criteria occurs in the eastern part of the county. The high TDS, sulfate,
and chloride concentration are caused by leaching from the saline formations
underlying many sections of the county.
3-22
-------
Table 3-8
SUMMARY OF MAJOR SURFACE WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
Use Constituent
Secondary Contact
Recreation
Primary Contact
Recreation
Stream Aesthetics
Reservoir and Lake
Aesthetics
Feeal Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Litter
Phosphorus
Industrial Water Supply Total Dissolved Solids
Agricultural Irrigation SAR-TDS
Livestock and Wildlife
Watering
Public Water Supply
Fishery
Chloride
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Oxygen, Dissolved
Reach with Water Quality Problems
Lower Green River (#18)
Bitter Creek (#29, #30, #31)
Salt Wells Creek (#32)
Kiilpecker Creek (#33)
Lower Smiths Fork (#40)
Middle Hams Fork (#47)
Bear River, Border Reach (#10)
Creen River (#13, #15.,*16, #17, #18
Upper Big Sandy (#25)
Blacks Fork, Lyman to Little
America (#35, #36, #37LllJ
Middle Hams Fork (#47) tlJ
Lower Bitter Creek (#31)
Flaming Gorge Reservoir (#19, #20,
#38)
Green River, Big Island Reach to
Green River Arm (#16, #17, #18,
#19)
Blacks Fork Arm (#38)
Middle Hams Fork (#47)
None given present practices
Kiilpecker Creek (#33)
Upper Bitter Creek (#29)
Kiilpecker Creek (#33)
Kiilpecker Creek (#33)
Green River Reach (#17)
Flaming Gorge Reservoir (#20)
Lyman Reach (#35)
Lower Hams Fork (#48)
Green River Reach (#17)
Snake River (#1)
Green River, Lower Reach to
Reservoir (#18, #19, #20)
Hams Fork, Middle and Lower
(#47, #A8)
(1) Under national goal only.
3-23
-------
Fecal coliform and nitrate concentrations commonly exceed the criteria for
ground water in the Bridger Valley. Because of the shallow alluvium in
this area, wells are usually less than 40 feet deep and are too close to
leach fields and barnyards. Instances of well contamination have become
more numerous recently because subdivisions have increased rural housing
densities. Step 1 Facility Plans for community wastewater treatment systems
have been prepared to alleviate the contamination problem. Moreover,
Mountain View and Lyman are abandoning wells and currently building a joint
community water system to be supplied from the Meeks Cabin Reservoir.
3-24
-------
| | USE IMPAIRMENT
j ASSUMED USE IMPAIRMENT
TTt-S«f
EGENO
-O
•HCHC ASSENT
t 40ICA11S H(AO«ATeH*
—O *
-c
F ITTl t WUOO*
-o-
¦o
FIGURE 3-5
USE IMPAIRMENT
SECONDARY CONTACT RECREATION
-------
"iriADd
• luivcia
VKA*[ *!V<«
tunc WJMT
(k(((
iitilc o«y
c«m
rzi
gllllllllltU.
USE IMPAIRMENT
la e**ct
did
rOKT|N(Ll(
c*ti<
IOHT t M11(
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fOAi Aum
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tun
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' k *•< I f. s
13*;
at i. <. * rj j •
ASSUMED USE IMPAIRMENT
Miiiinniir
fdS
| UUiNT I
LEGEND-
» ¦ui«»0|l I (iir u
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116 tu«r
«t i v( « L*-t*
ih
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is
ini« cuu
nun cuu
l«M«
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a?
•mti etui
it
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FIGURE 3-6
USE IMPAIRMENT
PRIMARY CONTACT RECREATION
-------
-o;
'QUI
•i*Ct1 >c*«
¦o
la |t«ci
(•It*
LEGEND
rowifMtiAi
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ctlf «
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• IMIM
• mc« cm(i
unit dun
O— "INAtJ fC»«
|UI| t|i«
FIGURE 3-7
USE IMPAIRMENT
STREAM AESTHETICS
-------
I ft|V(« J
^ k^*i»
iutilfti-Siiiraiiu
(»WMf( Ll»t
t* IAI(|
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USE IMPAIRMENT
4II1IIIIIIIM
= 2 ASSUMED USE IMPAIRMENT
3iimiiiiin
LEGEND-
c1^
(?•(*«
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>
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lOH« '
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FIGURE 3-8
USE IMPAIRMENT
RESERVOIR AND LAKE AESTHETICS
-------
ima
>-
o-
tfemrv i t«c
t»tu p ^--
r onihiiLii
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USE IMPAIRMENT
UUIIMIIIIL
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biiuif iiitc
:assumed use impairment
legend-
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it
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tL
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USE IMPAIRMENT
UtTC C«C(K
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3*1111111111-
fosTiHti.it
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LEGEND-
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V37 h
leu kOLtii*
A
ii
LOCATION OF GAUGING
STATION CANNOT APEOUATf
CMARACTLRIZE WATER
Quality for this use
KAC«t
f c*«.
CM IN HI VI
r t A m I p.;
cm: I
X Jf'0/4
inu* cute
mill c*ii«
FIGURE 3-10
USE IMPAIRMENT
AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION
m.
Q WilU« a t l<«
-------
SMMt( IIVII ^
1»1Tms r««(
s!
"5"
SlIIHIIIlllI
USE IMPAIRMENT
ASSUMED USE IMPAIRMENT
legend-
£
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FIGURE 5-11
USE IMPAIRMENT
WILDLIFE AND LIVESTOCK WATERING
-------
*
ittle kuoov
ATf LIMt
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L 1 T. *M(* I CA
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J USE IMPAIRMENT
ASSUMED USE IMPAIRMENT
LEGEND
-O
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FIGURE 3-12
USE IMPAIRMENT
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
-------
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FIGURE
USE IMPAIRMENT
FISHERY
-------
Chapter 4
ECONOMICS OF USE IMPAIRMENT
Poor water quality can result in a monetary cost to the users of the water.
In this 208 Plan, for instance, an actual dollar value in costs to water
users can be associated with use impairment due to salinity and eutrophica-
tion. This chapter describes some of the costs that may be anticipated
with various salinity and eutrophication levels.
DEFINITION OF SALINITY
Salinity is usually considered to be the sum of all the dissolved salts in
water, which is analytically defined as total dissolved solids. This sum
may also be measured as a conductivity or specific conductivity. Figure 4-1
shows the close correlation between the average total dissolved solids
concentration and specific conductivity at the water quality stations in
the study area.
The total dissolved solids concentration or specific conductivity may not
adequately reflect the impacts of salinity on the user. For example, the
domestic user is concerned about the cost of removing hardness ions, which
are calcium and magnesium principally. He is also concerned about sulfate
concentrations from a health standpoint. Finally, he is concerned about
sodium if he is on a low-sodium diet. The other species that are major
contributors to the total salinity, such as potassium and bicarbonate (the
major constituent in alkalinity), are relatively unimportant to the domestic
user.
The important salinity species for the industrial user in the study area
are calcium, alkalinity, and sulfate. Calcium carbonate is predicted to be
the first salt to precipitate in recirculated cooling tower water in all
reaches where industrial use was identified as impaired. Reduction in
instream calcium or carbonate concentrations would increase the number of
times water could be recycled in a cooling tower, thereby reducing water
consumption and water treatment costs. The same ions are critical for
low-pressure boilers. For high-pressure boilers, such as those used at the
Jim Bridger Power Plant, sulfate appears to be the critical ion. Therefore,
a control of total dissolved solids levels in the study area may be of
little benefit to industry unless calcium, alkalinity, and sulfate are
controlled in the process. The actual benefit to industry from salinity
control would be most accurately measured by reduction in concentrations of
these three ions, rather than in concentrations of total dissolved solids.
To consider all the salinity species important to each user would make the
report overly cumbersome. Therefore, in most sections of this report,
including those concerning salinity in this chapter, salinity means the
total salt level, expressed as total dissolved solids or specific conduc-
tivity. The implicit assumption is that a reduction in total dissolved
4-1
-------
2 S 0 0
_J
V
o
s:
i/> 2000
Q
Q
if)
a
UJ
^ 1500
o
if)
V)
<
~ 1 000
t-
500
X'"
X"
/
,/
••
500
1000 1500 2000
SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE (y MHO)
2500
3000
FIGURE 4-1
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE AND
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS
IN STUDY AREA
jSSHILL
-------
solids or specific conductivity will produce an equivalent reduction in the
critical species, whether it is calcium, alkalinity, or sulfate. This
assumption is not precisely true, however, since waters from different
parts of the study area contain different proportions of salt species, as
explained in Chapter 5.
COSTS OF SALINITY
The impacts associated with using water impaired by salinity can be felt by
industry, agriculture, domestic water users, wildlife and livestock. As
discussed in earlier chapters, some of these impacts are health-related,
such as the effects of high sulfates on domestic water users, wildlife and
livestock. Certainly these health-related impacts have some economic
implications; for example, temporarily high sulfate concentrations will
likely spur sales of anti-diarrheal products. This section addresses
other salinity impacts which are not health related. These impacts are
explained below and cost estimates are developed for each.
Industries in the area experience extra costs in using water with higher
than recommended salt concentrations for boiler and cooling tower feed
water. The salt contains chemicals that precipitate out of the water when
subject to the high temperatures and pressures in boilers and cooling
towers. These deposits collect in the pipes and boiler tubes and seriously
diminish the efficiency of the facilities. With higher salinity levels,
more treatment is required before the water can be used, or more water must
be used since it can only be reused a limited number of times before the
chemicals begin to precipitate.
Domestic water users have the extra costs of treating and softening saline
water. Otherwise, scale forms in pipes and sinks, and more detergent is
needed for washing clothes and dishes.
The agricultural cost associated with salinity is primarily the detrimental
effects on croo production and soils. While agricultural costs from salinity
are not a problem within the Southwestern Wyoming 208 area, they do affect
agricultural users downstream due to the irrigating activity in the area.
Costs to Industry in the Study Area
Costs attributed to various levels of salinity in industrial intake water
are not readily available for the area's industries. Even if the cost data
were available, industries consider them proprietary information. Therefore,
this study estimated the costs to industry. These estimates are based on
certain generalized assumptions and at best are very general representations
of conditions that could reasonably exist. However, they are adequate for
planning purposes on a prefeasibility level to determine whether investiga-
tion of salinity control is warranted or not. From the cost analysis
presented below, it appears feasible to investigate in more detail the
specific benefits of salinity control to industry.
The major industrial water users in the study area are currently trona and
power plants. In the next 20 years, the major industrial water users are
4-3
-------
expected to continue to be those involved in mineral resources development
(trona, oil shale, coal gasification) and electrical power generation.
Two large power plants are located in the study area. The larger of the
two is Jim Bridger, located in central Sweetwater County. This plant
diverts water from the Green River above the Town of Green River. Salinity
controls above this intake point appear possible. On the other hand, no
salinity controls appear possible above the intake point for the other
plant, Viva Naughton, located on Viva Naughton Reservoir. Therefore, only
Jim Bridger is considered in this cost analysis.
The assumptions needed to calculate costs for water treatment in the mineral
resources development industries are as follows:
1. Industry will use water in the amounts described in Chapter 6
based on the development scenarios. These scenarios have been
reviewed by state and local agencies and industrial groups and
are felt to reasonably represent future water conditions.
2. Approximately 10 percent of the water diverted by industry will
be used for boiler makeup and 10 percent for cooling tower makeup.
This estimate correlates well with information available from a
couple of industries in the area and also agrees with figures
given in the Environmental Impact Statement for oil shale develop-
ment .
3. For purposes of making estimates, all boilers are assumed to
operate at 600 psig and 700 degrees F.
4. Lime softening will be the only pretreatment of boiler feed
water.
5. Discharge to cooling towers is assumed.
6. Blowdown rates will be approximately 12 percent when salinity is
at 400 y mhos, 18 percent at 600 p mhos, and 25 percent at 800
ymhos. These values are experienced by at least one industry in
the area.
7. Energy costs are assumed to be $1.50 per 1,000,000 Btu's regardless
of the energy source. No specific energy source is assumed.
8. Boilers will operate essentially full time.
9. The depletions shown in the scenarios are assumed to be for
salinity levels of about 600 ymho/cm2, which roughly approximate
the salinity levels experienced in the Big Island and Green River
reaches of the Green River during 1976.
10. Hardness is assumed to increase about in proportion to salinity
levels. This assumption is not valid for salinity contributed
from the Big Sandy Basin. However, it is valid for salinity
4-4
-------
contributed from outside Sweetwater County in the Green River
Basin. For estimating purposes, hardness is assumed to be 50,
80, and 110 mg/l as CaCO when salinity is 400, 600, and 800
ymhos, respectively.
Based on those assumptions, costs for heating additional boiler makeup
water were calculated for three different levels of development in the
area—the present conditions and the conditions represented by the two
scenarios described in Chapter 6. Table 4-1 shows the costs of treating
for salinity that might be experienced at the Jim Bridger plant at different
salinity levels. Costs were calculated to reflect conditions if salinity
were to remain at 1976 levels at the intake point (600 y mhos), if salinity
were to drop to summer 1977 levels found in the Slate Creek reach of the
Green River above the Big Sandy River (400 ymhos) , and if salinity were to
remain at levels experienced during the summer of 1977 in the Big Island
reach below Big Sandy River (800 jj mhos) .
The estimates on the table are based on known costs for water at 600 ymhos
and at 800 ymhos and for an annual depletion of 30,000 acre-feet. The
values for the other salinity and depletion levels are computed proportionate
to the known values. The costs shown on this table include those for
demineralization of the boiler makeup and for softening of cooling tower
makeup water. The costs do not include those for energy needed to heat the
boiler water; those energy costs are not a function of water quality because
the quality (and therefore quantity) of the demineralized water heated for
the boilers is independent of the raw water quality.
The total annual costs to the mineral resources development industries have
also been estimated for the above three salinity levels. These costs are
presented on Table 4-2. A more detailed presentation of costs to these
industries is included as Appendix B. The costs on Table 4-2 incfude not
only those for treating boiler and cooling tower makeup water, but also
those for energy needed to heat boiler makeup water.
The costs to the power plant and the mineral resources development industries
were combined to consider the difference in cost to industry at salinity
levels higher and lower than the 1976 level of 600 ymhos. The results,
given on Table 4-3, show the potential cost increase if salinity were to
stay at the 1977 summer levels of the Big Island reach (800 ymhos) and the
potential costs savings if salinity in the downstream reaches of the Green
River was reduced to the 1977 level of the Slate Creek reach above Big
Sandy River (400 ymhos) . The information contained on Table 4-3 is shown
graphically on Figure 4-2. This figure shows the changes in costs with
changes in salinity. For reference, Figure 4-2 also shows the approximate
range of salinity levels experienced in the Green River above and below the
Big Sandy during 1976.
From these estimates, it can be concluded that considerable operating costs
savings could be achieved if 1976 levels of salinity were maintained and
that further cost savings could accrue to industries in the area if salinity
could be reduced below 1976 levels. It must be remembered that the estimates
described in this chapter are very rough estimates that do not apply to any
specific company but generally apply to industry as a whole.
4-5
-------
Table '1-1
COSTS FOR TREATING ROILFR AMD COOLING TOWFR
MAKEUP WATER AT JIM BRIDGER POWER PLANT
(1977 Dollars)
Scenario
Present Day
Year 2000,
Coal Export
Water
Diverted
(ac-ft/yr)
30,000
30,000
400 vi mhos
Salinity
$0.153
0. 153
Annual Treatment Cost
($ x 10b)
(1)
600 p mhos
Salinity
$0,230
0. 2 30
800 y mhos
Salinity
$0.307
0. 307
Year 2000,
Energy Export
60,000
0. 306
0.460
0. 61'I
(1) 1 hese costs do not include energy costs for heating boiler makeup water, as explained in the text
-------
Table 4-2
SALINITY COSTS TO THE MINERAL RFSOURCES DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIES
(1977 Dollars)
Annual Treatment Cost
($ x 10b)
100 vi mhos 600 p mhos
Scenario Salinity Salinity
Present Day $1.49 $2.74
Year 2000, Coal Fxport 5.19 9.12
Year 2000, Fnergy Fxport 8.91 16.4
(1) These costs include eneray costs for heatinq boiler makeup water.
-------
Table 4-3
POTENTIAL COST DIFFERENCES TO INDUSTRY AT SALINITY LEVELS
HIGHER AND LOWER THAN 1976 LEVEL OF 600 y mhos
(1977 Dollars)
Potential Annual Potential Annual
Cost Increase At Cost Savings At
800 p mhos 400 u mhos
Scenario ($ x 106) ($ x 10^)
Present Day $ 1.93 $ 1.33
Year 2000, Coal Export 6.25 4.01
Year 2000, Energy Export 11.30 7.58
(1) Salinity level in Big Island reach in summer 1977 (below Big Sandy River)
(2) Salinity level in Slate Creek reach in summer 1977 (above Big Sandy River)
4-8
-------
.' >»' >c.
:•
GREEN RIVER
SALINITY LEVELS 1976
a PRESENT 0AY
3 COAL EXPORT IN 2000
^ ENERGY EXPORT IN 2000
800
20-
200
4 0 0 600
SALINITY (yMHO/CM2)
(NOTE! COSTS ARE FOR TREATING BOILER AND COOLING TOWER MAKEUP
WATER FOR POWER PLANTS AND COSTS FOR HEATING BOILER MAKEUP
WATER AND TREATING BOILER AND COOLING MAKEUP WATER FOR OTHER
INDUSTRIES.)
FIGURE 4-2
SALINITY COSTS TO GREEN RIVER
BASIN INDUSTRY-1977 DOLU\RS
ICH2M
SS HILL
-------
Costs to Domestic Users in the Study Area
Estimates were made in this study of the costs of water softening to domestic
water users in the study area. The cost equations used in this report are
those developed by EPA for estimating salinity control feasibility for the
Colorado River Basin. The cost factors have been adjusted to reflect
inflation since the time of the EPA study. For this 208 study, only estimates
for surface water users are included even though it is recognized that a
considerable number of ground water users may also have softeners or be
subjected to increased soap costs due to high hardness. The data on ground
water users were not readily available.
Costs related to salinity have been estimated for three types of public
water supply users in the area—those on central softening, those on indi-
vidual softeners, and those without softeners. The number of surface water
users in each of these three categories is shown on Table 4-4 according to
various communities in the study area.
The costs to these domestic users for various salinity levels and for
various levels of development in the study area are presented on Table
4-5. Costs are due to two factors, either increased consumption of softener
and regenerant or increased soap consumption. Table 4-5 shows that the
total costs in the area are likely to rise s-imply because of increased
population in the future. However, costs are also shown to be greater if
salinity levels increase over the 1976 levels.
Benefits and Costs in the Study Area
From the foregoing analyses, it seems that at least $2 million per year
would be saved by industrial and domestic water users in the study area if
salinity returned to 1976 levels from their 1977 levels and that further
savings would accrue for lower levels yet. There is obviously considerable
economic benefit to be gained by lower salinity levels. However, these
benefits (or cost savings) must be compared with the costs to reduce the
salinity and maintain lower levels. The costs for various salinity con-
trols are presented in Chapter 8. Also, a cost-benefit analysis is given
in that chapter.
Costs of Salinity To Users Outside Study Area
The Colorado River Salinity Control Forum has estimated the annual municipal,
industrial, and agricultural benefits to be gained by reducing salinity at
Imperial Dam, California, on the Lower Colorado River. These benefits
pertain only to users of water from the Lower Colorado River Basin. The
benefits in dollars per part per million (ppm) reduction in salinity at
Imperial Dam are estimated at $430, 000. U) This benefit is equivalent to
(1) Wyoming State Engineer and U .S . Department of Agriculture. April 1978.
Cooperative River Basin Study, Green River Basin, Wyoming.
4-10
-------
Table 4-4
NUMBER OF SURFACE WATER USERS IN STUDY AREA WITH AND WITHOUT SOFTENING
Community
Evans ton
Green River
Jamestown/Rio Vista
Rock Springs
Granger, Little
America
Diamondville,
Frontier, and
Kemmerer
Present
Day H)
1,000
10,000
750
18,000
40
Users with Individual Softening
Year 2000 Year 2000
Coal Export(2) Energy Export(2)
720
2,850
12,000
800
22,000
264
2,100
1 ,930
25,000
1,900
46,000
(3)
11,630
Present
Day H)
4,000
3,000
250
6,000
160
2,880
Users with No Softening
Year 2000
Coal Export(2)
11,370
4,000
300
7,000
1,056
8,798
Year 2000
Energy Export (2)
7, 710
8,000
600
15,000
(4)
6, 510
(1) Estimates from Culligan Water Conditioning Company, Denver, Colorado.
(2) Estimates based on projected populations.
(3) No data available.
-------
Table 4 5
ESTIMATED ANNUAL SOFTENING COSTS TO DOMESTIC USERS
(1977 Dollars)
Present Day
Community
Evanston
1976
Salinity
Levels
$56,300
Salinity
50% Greater
Than In
1976
i 58,1t0
Salinity
50% Less
Than In
1976
$5'l, 300
Creen River
Jamestown/Rio Vista
Rock Springs
Granger, Little
America
93,8'l0
2,281
156,998
2,377
30,518
2, 185
Diamondville,
Frontier, ant)
Kemmerer
<42,800
'15,'100
«0,200
(1) No data available
Year 2000, Coal Export Year 2000, Energy Export
Salinity Salinity ~Salinity SalliTlTy
1976 50% Greater 50% Less 1976 50% Greater 50% Less
Salinity Than In Than In Salinity Than In Than In
Levels 1976 1976 Levels 1976 1976
$160,000 $166,200 $154,300 $108,500 $1 12,650 $10'l,700
163,370 2'14,950 81,600 245,050 367,400 122,100
15.060 15,700 1U,t22 -- (1' — (1) -- (1)
130,250 137,950 122,560 113,120 119.350 106,800
-------
$31 per ton of salt reduction in the Colorado River system. Therefore, it
is assumed that $31 of benefits will be gained outside the study area for
each ton of salt reduction within the study area.
COSTS OF EUTROPHI CATION TO RECREATION
Eutrophication cannot only lessen the aesthetic value of a water body, but
can also result in an economic loss to the tourist industry as recreational
uses are impaired. Excessive algal and weed growth can decrease recreational
use of a reservoir in a number of ways. Sightseers and swimmers are dis-
couraged by the unsightliness of the algal mats and their rank odors.
Boaters are frustrated by the clogging of propellers. Fishermen leave
because rough fish, such as carp, have taken over the waters. Those
services which depend on recreational ists therefore suffer severe economic
setbacks when the recreational opportunities in the reservoir are lost.
It is impossible to predict at what rate eutrophication is spreading in the
reservoirs or when it might eliminate recreational opportunities such as
fishing, boating, and swimming. None of the reservoirs has become so
eutrophic that recreational opportunities have been lost. However, all
reservoirs have shown some signs of eutrophication, including excessive
growths of blue-green algae, low oxygen levels, and high phosphorus concen-
trations.
Costs to the Study Area
The largest recreational use of any reservoir in the study area in terms of
numbers of visitors occurs at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Recreational ists
have complained about algal blooms in the Green River and Blacks Fork arms
of the reservoir, which have become increasingly severe over the last
decade. However, despite the complaints, these water quality problems have
not appeared to deter recreational use of the reservoir. As shown on
Figure 4-3, recreational use has actually increased, while the water quality
has deteriorated in the reservoir. The growth rate of recreational use of
the reservoir has been compared to the growth rate of Salt Lake City, the
nearest metropolitan center, over the 1970-1976 period. (More visitors
come to Flaming Gorge from Salt Lake City than any other single area.) The
growth rate of recreational use actually exceeded the growth rate of Salt
Lake City over the period. The seeming disparity between decreased quality
and increased use may be explained by the fact that the decreased quality
is not yet felt throughout the reservoir. Quality degradation has started
in the Green River and Blacks Fork arms at the upper end of the reservoir
and is slowly progressing down the reservoir. The lower end still has good
qual ity.
Recreational use of the reservoir is dependent essentially on how good the
fishing is. In an analysis of the Economic Impact on Southwestern Wyoming
of Recreationists Visiting Flaming Gorge Reservoir, it was found that 99
percent of the visitors to the reservoir came to fish. Although water
quality has deteriorated aesthetically from the extensive algal blooms,
record-size game fish have been caught in the reservoir in the last 2 years.
The mean weight per trout harvested by the Utah State Division of Fish and
4-13
-------
VISITOR DAYS AT
FLAMING GORGE I
RESERVOIR
cr
UJ
~
x
D
Z
600,000
500,000
1976
1975
1973
YEAR
197 1
1970
FIGURE 4-3
RECREATIONAL USE OF
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
! CH2MI
""HiLill
-------
Game and by the Wyoming Came and Fish Department doubled from 1964 to 1969
(Green River and Flaming Gorge Post-Impoundment Investigations). This
increase in fish size is common in a reservoir during the incipient stages
of eutrophication because of the abundance of food.
Also common in a reservoir or lake in the incipient stages of eutrophication
is a decrease in the number of game fish and an increase in the number of
nongame fish. Figure 4-4 shows that the trout population decreased from
84 percent of the total fish population in 1964 to 9 percent of the popula-
tion in 1969. The harvest rate of trout has also decreased from 1.23 fish
per gill-net hour in 1964 to 0.35 fish per gill-net hour in 1975. During
the same period the Utah chub population increased from 1 percent of the
total fish population to 76 percent.
Although the trend described above is striking, two other factors besides
eutrophication may explain some or ail of the changes observed in the
reservoir. First, Wyoming Came and Fish Department personnel have noted
such a trend in other new reservoirs; they ascribe the changes to the
radical alteration of habitat from a free-flowing stream to a still-water
impoundment. Second, gill nets are more selective for Utah chub, and
therefore the changes may not be as striking as the data indicate. Because
of these other two factors, it cannot be stated conclusively that (1) the
population changes are as radical as the data indicate or (2) eutrophication
is the sole cause of the changes. However, whether or not the recent
changes are due to eutrophication, the literature provides ample documenta-
tion that eutrophication can eventually bring about such changes. As shown
in the next chapter, present phosphorus loadings to the reservoir appear
capable of promoting further eutrophication and eventual loss of game fish
in the reservoir.
Fishing is an important economic asset to Southwestern Wyoming. Benefits
to the study area from recreational use of the reservoir were estimated to
exceed $1 million in 1965. 0) When inflated to the present, these annual
benefits exceed $2 million. Benefits to each service sector are presented
on Table 4-6.
Because fishing is the recreational activity inducing these benefits, most
of them will be lost if the fishing opportunities are lost in the reservoir.
As noted earlier, it is impossible to predict at what rate recreational
opportunities will be lost if present phosphorus loadings to the reservoir
are allowed to continue or increase. However, based on present benefits,
eutrophication of Flaming Gorge Reservoir may cause approximately a $2
million annual loss in revenue to the study area.
(1) Benefit data came from Economic Impact on Southwestern Wyoming of
Recreationists Visiting Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
4-15
-------
I 00
X
o
<
o
_l-
<
H
O
I-
U.
O
UJ
O
<
I-
2
UJ
u
a
iu
0.
80
60
40
20
RAINBOW
TROUT (GAME)
UTAH
CHUB (NONGAME)
1963
1965
1967
1969
1971
1973
1975
1977
REFERENCE = GREEN RIVER AND FLAMING
GORGE POST-IMPOUNDMENT INVESTIGATIONS
FIGURE M
CHANGE IN FISH POPULATIONS IN
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
GiiM
¦¦Hill
-------
Table 4-6
ANNUAL BENFFIT5 TO SOUTHWFSTFRN WYOMINC FROM
RECREATIOMISTS VISITING FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
Direct Indirect Total
Sector
Benefit
Benefit
Benefit
Gasoline service stations
$ 527,000
$ 10,000
$ 537,000
Other retail
275,000
161,000
436,000
General wholesale
0
343,000
343,000
Households
0
335,000
335,000
Food and beverape establishments
269,000
18,000
287,000
All other sectors
0
274,000
274,000
TOTAL
$1,071,000
$1,141,000
$2,212,000
(1) Indirect benefits are those induced by the direct benefits. For example,
a retailer invests income earned through sales to recreationalists in a
house; the purchase of that house is an indirect or induced benefit to
the economy.
4-17
-------
Costs Outside the Study Area
The total contribution of Flaming Gorge Recreation Area to the national
economy has been estimated from information provided by the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department on fisherman days for the entire reservoir during 1976
and on the value of a fisherman day. The estimated contribution is $8.8 mil-
lion per year. The estimated annual economic value of the reservoir to
those outside the study area is:
Total annual benefit: $8.8 million
Benefits to study area: 2. 2 million
Benefit outside study area: $6.6 million
As was done for costs within the study area, it has been assumed that these
benefits will eventually be lost to eutrophication if present conditions
are allowed to persist.
4-18
-------
Chapter 5
CONTAMINANT SOURCES
The overall direction of this technical report is (1) the identification of
water quality problems and problem contaminants, (2) the identification of
the sources of those contaminants, and (3) the development of management
plans to control those sources. The first step was completed in Chapter 3.
Locations of impaired uses and the contaminants causing those impairments
are summarized on Table 3-8.
The second step, which is the identification of the contaminant sources, is
taken in this chapter. The contaminants and contaminant sources that will
be addressed in this chapter are listed on Table 5-1. These sources have
been separated into point and nonpoint, as defined in Chapter 1. At the
end of this chapter, an evaluation is made about the relative importance of
each contaminant source to the total loading of a particular contaminant.
LOADS IN SURFACE WATERS
This chapter begins with calculations of total instream loads of certain
contaminants. These calculations have been made for two reasons: (1) to
determine what geographical areas are the major contributors of contaminants
and (2) to ascertain the relative importance of each contaminant source to
the total load carried by the streams.
Instream surface water loads have been estimated for phosphorus and four
salinity species, including alkalinity, calcium, sulfate, and total dis-
solved solids. In addition, total suspended solids loads were estimated in
order to determine areas of high erosion. Fecal coliform ar.d dissolved
oxygen loads were not calculated because of lack of information.
The conclusion has been reached in the previous two chapters that the major
problems related to phosphorus and salinity occur in the Green River Basin.
Therefore, instream loads of phosphorus, salinity, and total suspended
solids have been calculated only for that basin.
Suspended Solids in Surface Waters
Annual suspended solids loads have been determined by the U.S. Geological
Survey at the stations designated Green River near Green River and Blacks
Fork near Little America. These two stations are located just above Flaming
Gorge Reservoir, as shown on Figure 5-1. Annual loads are presented on
Figure 5-2. On the average, the Blacks Fork carries more than twice as
much sediment to the reservoir as the Green River. Annual loads vary
widely on both rivers.
5-1
-------
Table 5-1
POTENTIAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES
U1
I
to
Contaminant Source Salinity
Point Sources
Mining and Industrial Discharges X
Municipal and Private Treated
Sewage Discharges
Dairies and Feedlots
Stack Emissions X
Springs X
Nondischarging Wastewater Ponds X
Nonpoint Sources
J, Geologic Erosion X
Overgrazing X
Mining Site Erosion
Construction Site Erosion
Agricultural Runoff
Manure Runoff
Urban Runoff
Septic Tanks
Irrigation Return Flows X
Natural Ground Water Discharges X
Silviculture
Residual Wastes Management
Oil Spills
Possible Influence in Study Area
Fecal Dissolved
Phosphorus Coliform Oxygen Radioactivity
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-------
LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATION
S.fcET.ATER t,g S,ndv
Mms m rvoir
ARSON
^COKEViLLfc-
,/ L4*« Vl*4
t) Vdujncoo
super I OR
NTA
Change.
• brR1(^S
Pr*«T
SMIOGfc «
L 'MAN
M
PRE£m[)^t
S-tETMAT£R
SCAlE in MtlES
^ ¦--KLiA
Lose
i O 1 J i «r X '
Creek
WAMSUT T£R
FIGURE 5-1
SAMPLING STATIONS FOR
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS
LOAD DETERMINATIONS
CH2M
¦¦HILL
-------
600.000
Q
<
o
_)
in
a
M
J
O
in
o
Ui
o
z
UJ —
q. a
t/) <
r> uj
m >
_i «/>
< z
h- O
o t-
400, 000
200,000
/
s
/
/
/
LOAD AT BLACKS FORK NEAR
LITTLE AMERICAN
(NO DATA FROM 1972 TO 1974)
/
/
/
/
/¦
LOAD AT G
GREEN RIV
REEN RIVER
ER
NEAR
/
/
/
/
/
'
\
\
\
\
\
N.
V
1969
1970
197 1
1972
1973
1 974
1975
1976
FIGURE 5-2
ANNUAL INSTREAM TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS LOADS
CH.'M
SSMILL
-------
Phosphorus Loads in Surface Waters
Phosphorus was monitored on a monthly basis in 1975 and 1976 at several
stations in the Green River. Annual phosphorus loads were estimated by
calculating an instantaneous loading rate (flow times concentration) for
each monthly sample, assuming this loading rate to be representative of the
entire month, calculating a monthly load from that rate, and summing the
loads for 12 months.
This method for calculating annual loads gave erroneous values for the
smaller tributaries, where flow and phosphorus concentrations were found to
change by several orders of magnitude within a period of a few hours. A
single monthly sample from these small streams is unlikely to provide
results characteristic of a particular runoff event, much less an entire
month. However, in the larger tributaries and rivers, where flows and
phosphorus concentrations were more consistent over a 30-day period, the
method gave apparently reasonable values. Therefore, estimates of annual
instream loads for only the main rivers and large tributaries are discussed
here.
Estimated annual phosphorus loads in the Green River Basin are shown on
Figure 5-3 for three stations in the Green River watershed (A, B, C) and
one in the Blacks Fork watershed (D) . Phosphorus loads in the Green River
were estimated to increase by six times in 1975 and by 13 times in 1976 as
it flowed from Fontenelle Reservoir (Station A) to Flaming Gorge Reservoir
(Station C) . Most of the increase in both years appeared to come from the
Bitter Creek drainage. The phosphorus load carried by the Green River to
Flaming Gorge Reservoir varied considerably from 1975 to 1976. For example,
the phosphorus load in the Green River below Bitter Creek (Station C) in
1975 was only 38 percent of the load at the same station in 1976. The
variation appears to be caused by changes in the erosion rates; this phenom-
enon is covered in detail in a later section of this chapter on geologic
erosion.
The 1976 phosphorus load at the mouth of the Blacks Fork is also shown on
Figure 5-3. The phosphorus load at the mouth of the Blacks Fork was gener-
ated from data on the three major tributaries, Smiths Fork, Muddy Creek,
and Hams Fork. It was assumed that the average unit load from the three
Blacks Fork tributaries of 50 pounds per square mile per year was represent-
ative of the entire Blacks Fork drainage. The generated load in 1976 for
this station of 80 tons per year is approximately equal to the EPA estimate
for the Blacks Fork, made in 1975 during the National Eutrophication Survey.
In 1976, Blacks Fork was estimated to deliver only one-quarter as much
phosphorus to Flaming Gorge Reservoir as the Green River.
Salinity Loads in Surface Waters
Loads of alkalinity, calcium, sulfate, and total dissolved solids were cal-
culated for four stations on the Green River and two on the Blacks Fork by
the same method used for calculating phosphorus loads. Unlike phosphorus
loads, calculated loads for all four salinity parameters differed little
from 1975 to 1976. Therefore, the following discussion is based on the
averages of the 2 years.
5-5
-------
GREEN RIVER 19T6
BLACKS FORK 1976
300
GREEN RIVER, 1975
® (D
Los t
cARSON
.>EV [LIE-
Lake
t, J Sd.ijhton
SJJPER I Oft
«*H$UTrE»
pr FN
M
to SO
40
SCALE in wiles
QAIRQIl
FIGURE 5-3
ANNUAL INSTREAH
PHOSPHORUS LOADS
CM AV
KHI'.L'.
-------
Load estimates are shown ori Figure 5-4 for four areas on the Green River.
Area 1 identifies the approximate salt load in the Green River as it enters
the study area. Total dissolved solids loads increase by 143 percent from
300,000 tons per year to 730,000 tons per year as the Green River passes
through the study area. Much of the increase occurs in the area encom-
passing the Big Sandy River drainage. The water is characteristically
calcium bicarbonate as it enters the study area. However, within the study
area, most of the salinity increase is due to loadings of sodium and sul-
fate. Sulfate loads in the Green River increase almost five times during
its course through the study area.
The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated salinity loads on the Green River
over the 1970-1975 period through the use of a multiple-variable regression
model (DeLong, 1977) . The total dissolved solids load estimates shown on
Figure 5-4 differ by less than 1 5 percent from the U .S .G .S . estimates. The
U.S.G.S. has roughly estimated that approximately 50 percent of the total
salinity load generated in Area 3 comes from seeps in the final 30 miles of
the Big Sandy River, approximately 43 percent comes from the rest of the
Big Sandy River drainage, and only 7 percent comes from ail the remaining
region covered by Area 3. These numbers may change as more water quality
data are collected. However, any new numbers will probably continue to
show the Big Sandy River is a major salt contributor to the Green River
system.
Salt loads in two stretches in the Blacks Fork are shown on Figure 5-5.
Three-quarters of the salt load delivered by the Blacks Fork comes from
above the confluence with the Smiths Fork. The lower Blacks Fork, Muddy
Creek, and Hams Fork account for the remaining one-quarter of the load.
The salts in both stretches are predominantly sodium sulfate.
In summary, salt load increases within the study area from the Blacks Fork
and Green River drainages averaged approximately 760,000 tons per year in
1975 and 1976. About 40 percent of this increase came from the Blacks
Fork. The increased salt load in both drainages is primarily due to increases
in sodium and sulfate.
Henrys Fork also delivers salt from the study area to the Colorado River.
Salt loads from Henrys Fork averaged 110,000 tons per year in 1975 and
1976. The salts were primarily calcium sulfate.
Summary of Instream Loads
Three important conclusions can be drawn from the load estimates. These
are preisented below:
* Certain areas appear to contribute disproportionate amounts of
the phosphorus and total salinity loadings. In 1975 and 1976,
much of the phosphorus delivered to Flaming Gorge Reservoir was
generated in the Bitter Creek drainage while much of the salinity
was generated in the Big Sandy drainage and Bridger Valley.
5-7
-------
MMI
AREA 1
AREA 2 AREA 3
60,000 1
TONS/YEAR
300,000
TONS/YEAR
290,000
TONS/YEAR
AREA 4
scale in miles
80,000
TONS/YEAR
SHADED-SODIUM SULFATE
CLEAR -CALCIUM BICARBONATE
FREEMQNT
SWEETWATER
9 A I RO I L
Los t
Soldier I
Creek
« AM^«jTT«E»
FIGURE 5-1
INSTREAM SALINITY
LOADS IN THE
GREEN RIVER
I
CH2M
SSHILL
-------
' 0 Inre mN I
AREA 1
AREA 2
THAYNE
»F TCN
80,000
TONS/YEAR
250,000
TONS/YEAR
FontanelI
'.ese r vo i r
fapsom
^OKL
Lak*
«in c r
SUPER I OR
L I NC 'JL *
r.REEN
. R! VER%.- s -P?.K .. ^
3-1 IIKVjS..
uoodru
Vd T TOW
Reserv
EVANS"
r 1 -t m i n
-------
¦ Phosphorus loadings increased greatly from 1975 to 1976. The
large change suggests that erosion may be a more important phos-
phorus contributor than a relatively constant source such as
municipal wastewater treatment plants.
¦ U.S.C.S. data for the 1970-1975 period and the data used in this
study for 1975 and 1976 show that salinity loads are more consis-
tent from year to year than phosphorus or suspended solids loads.
This consistency suggests that relatively constant sources such
as natural ground water discharges may be the major salinity con-
tributors.
DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT OF POINT SOURCES
This section of the report summarizes the point source discharge conditions
in the study area. The point sources considered in this section are listed
on Table 5-1. The evaluation of point sources is based on water quality
data dated June 13, 1977, from the STORET system and on information gathered
by SWWQPA during the course of this study. The locations of all discharges
monitored under the NPDES program are shown on Figure 5-6.
Mining and Industrial Discharges
Mining and industries have generally gone to a total containment (nondis-
charging) system for their wastewater. The few dischargers are presently
in compliance with the permit requirements, in the past, three discharge
problems have been associated with mining and industry. These problems are
described below.
The Star Valley Cheese Company at Thayne is the only industry in the study
area which discharges to a municipal wastewater treatment facility. The
municipal treatment process is spray irrigation of digested wastes. The
type and volume of wastes discharged to the treatment plant is incompatible
with the design of the facility. The influent to the plant has extremely
high concentrations of BOD5 and nutrients because of the impact of the
industrial discharge on the total load. These strong wastes have created
odor problems at the plant and in the Town of Thayne. Digested wastes are
being applied to gravelly soils with a high water table. Soil capacity for
removal of contaminants may be exceeded; however, no water quality problems
related to discharges from the plant have been noted at the monitoring
station downstream on the Salt River. However, Flat Creek, which is the
apparent receiving waters, has sludge deposits and mats of algae.
A second discharge problem occurred in 1973 at the Union Pacific Railroad
yard in Green River. Phosphorus concentrations of up to 330 ppm in runoff
from the yard were recorded by EPA that year. These high concentrations
were due in part to the washing of railroad cars containing phosphorus. A
separate full retention facility for the car washings has been constructed,
and the treated discharges from the yard are presently meeting all discharge
requirements.
The third discharge problem occurs at South & Jones Lumber Company in
Evanston, which was identified in the 305(B) report to be in noncompliance
5-10
-------
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
FACILITY
OTHER
—. 5UPIETTF
Reser'.'oi r
ronton*11•
eservoir
fARSOH
OKEVILLE.
K £ MMfc f
SUPER]
granger |
UINCOLN
Hoo4
/ Zfer.0T jH
l/ 3»I0G£R
' MM
«»% /
VANSTCN
10 0 10 ZO SO 40
scale in macs
FREEMONT
S«€ET«AT£R
- ~^mA
Lost 1
Soldier 1
Creek I
IBAIROIC
u <
uI u
*1
•AMSUTTER
FIGURE 5-6
NPDES DISCHARGERS
IN STUDY AREA
CH2M
-------
with best practical treatment standards in 1976. Discharge from the yard
goes to the Bear River. The permit to the lumber yard has been recently
issued and no discharge quality data are available. The Bear River reach
below Evanston does not show any use impairments caused by contaminants
which might be discharged from the lumber yard.
Municipal and Private Treated Sewage Discharges
At the outset of the 208 program in Southwestern Wyoming, effluent from
most of the municipal facilities was not meeting secondary treatment
standards, as defined on Table 5-2, Excessive concentrations of fecal
coliform and BOD5 in the effluent were recognized as possible water quality
problems early in the study. In addition, municipal point sources were
identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as important
phosphorus contributors (EPA, 1975).
Even though municipal point source problems were apparent, many Southwestern
Wyoming communities could not achieve enough points under the construction
grants priority point system to qualify for the "201" grants needed to
finance plant improvements. Therefore, the Southwestern Wyoming Water
Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA) applied a significant portion of the
208 funds to Step I Facility Plans. Evanston, Granger, Lyman, Mountain
View, Jamestown-Rio Vista, South Superior, and Wamsutter completed or are
scheduled to complete Facility Plans under the 208 program. An Engineering
Assessment for Cokevllle was also funded by the 208 program.
Great strides have been made toward improving wastewater effluent quality
through the efforts of the Association and some larger communities who have
been able to obtain 201 grants. However, as shown on Table 5-3, many
municipal dischargers have not complied with the Federal secondary effluent
treatment requirements which went into effect on 1 July 1977. Some communi-
ties have not received grants needed to design and construct new facilities,
other facilities are now in the design and construction phase, and some
facilities are just not operating properly.
Table 5-4 lists the construction grant priorities for Fiscal Year 1978.
Three communities in the study area are seeking funds. They include Kemmerer-
Diamondville (Priority #13), South Superior (Priority #21), and Fort Bridger
(Priority #28). Kemmerer-Diamondville and South Superior will probably
receive Federal funds for Step 2 this year and Step 3 next year. Fort
Bridger will probably receive funds for Step 1 this year.
Brief remarks about each discharger in the study area are made below. The
dischargers have been grouped according to the basin to which they discharge
The basins are shown on Figure 1-2. The Bitter Creek Subbasin and Blacks
Fork Subbasin of the Green River Basin have been considered separately
because of the large number of wastewater discharges in those areas.
Green River Basin (except for two subbasins)
* Green River. This facility is one of the major discharges
in the study area. A new sewage treatment facility has been
5-12
-------
Table 5-2
SECONDARY TREATMENT STANDARDS
Parameter
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5-Day)
Monthly arithmetic mean
Weekly arithmetic mean
Suspended Solids
Monthly arithmetic mean
Weekly arithmetic mean
Fecal Coliform
Monthly geometric mean
Weekly geometric mean
pH
Standard
30 mg/l
45 mg/l
30 mg/l
45 mg/l
200/100 ml
400/100 ml
6.0-9.0
Reference: Federal Register. August 17, 1973. Vol. 30, #159, pg 22298.
5-13
-------
Table 5-3
STATUS OF MUNICIPAL COMPLIANCE WITH SECONDARY
TREATMENT STANDARDS (As of August 1, T977)
Municipality
Cokeville
Evanston
Fort Bridger
Kemmerer-
Diamondville
Granger
Green River
LaBarge
Lyman
Mountain View
Rock Springs
South Superior
Thayne
Wamsutter
NPDES # Step #
0021032
0020095
0022071
0020320
0020303
0022373
0020443
0022080
0020117
0022896
0022357
0025917
(1)
1
(1)
3
3
(1)
(3)
3
(1)
3
Compliance With
Secondary Treatment Target Compliance
Standards Date
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Discharge (1)
No
No
No
7
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Fall 1978
1978
7
Fall 1978
Fall 1977
1978 or 1979
7
7
Note: Numbers in parentheses refer to Facility Plans funded by 208 program.
5-14
-------
Table 5-4
CONSTRUCTION CRANT OBLIGATIONS FOR FY-1978
Priority
Name
Grant
1
Rawlins
$ 3,320,000
2
Casper
0
3
Thayne
$ 219,000
4
Jackson
$ 1,930,000
$ 3,460,000
5
Green River
0
6
Cowley
0
7
Thermopolls
0
8
.Rock Springs
0
9
Rock River
» 259,000
10
Glendo
$ 198,000
11
Powell
$ 270,000
12
Buffalo
$ 1,650,000
13
Kemmerer-Diamond-
vllle
$ 562,000
14
Sheridan
$ 2,200,000
15
Laramie
$ 4,430,000
16
Upton
$ 238,000
17
Lander
$ 1,670,000
18
Hulett
$ 177,000
19
Baggs
$ 177,000
20
Mills
$ 69,000
21
South Superior
$ 15,000
22
Wheatland
$ 25,000
23
Mountain View
0
24
Moorcroft
$ 18,000
25
Medicine Bow
$ 12,000
26
Worland
$ 20,000
27
Plnedale
$ 18,000
28
Fort Brldger
$ 18,000
29
LaGrange
$ 12,000
30
Lingle
* 12,000
TOTAL
$21,009,000
1)
Partial funding of Step III
$1,930,000 will be funded
from avallabl
from the FY-
(1)
Remarks
Under construction
Under construction
Step I underway,
Steps II and III funding sought
Step I complete under 208,
Step II funding sought
Step I complete under 208,
under construction with EDA funds
Step I funding sought
5-15
-------
constructed to meet the secondary treatment standards. The
exfiltration ponds are not working properly and discharge
from the ponds frequently exceeds fecal coliform and BOD5
standards. Two alternatives are being studied: redesign of
the ponds or abandonment of the ponds in favor of a point
source discharge.
¦ Jamestown-Rio Vista. Individual waste treatment facilities
are in use in this area with no surface discharges monitored.
This water and sewer district has a Step 1 Facility Plan
prepared under this study, and the district is now studying
the alternatives for a central treatment facility.
¦ LaBarge. The lagoon system has just started to discharge.
No water quality data have been taken on the discharges.
However, given the detention time in the lagoons, the dis-
charges are likely to meet secondary treatment quality
standards.
Bitter Creek Subbasin
¦ B5B Mobile Home Park (Reliance). The facility has a dis-
charge permit, but no discharge has been observed.
¦ Bechtel-Reliance Trailer Court. The facility is achieving
BPT except for occasional suspended solids excesses caused
by algae discharges.
¦ Clearview Acres (west of Rock Springs). Violations of the
NPDES permit in May 1976 and March 1977, The Department of
Environmental Quality filed court action in March 1977. No
discharge was observed during the summer of 1977.
¦ Husky Truck Stop (west of Rock Springs). The package treat-
ment plant is essentially inoperable. Violations of fecal
coliform, total suspended solids, and BOD5 standards have
been frequent. The facility is on a NPDES compliance sched-
ule.
¦ Rock Springs. This facility is the largest wastewater
discharger in the study area. Violations of the fecal
coliform standard are frequent, while violations of BOD5 and
total suspended solids are occasional. The present facility
cannot achieve BPT. A contract for construction of a new
mechanical plant has been awarded; completion is scheduled
for late 1978.
¦ Silver Dollar Motel. The facility has a discharge permit,
but no discharge has been observed.
¦ South Superior. Frequent violations of all standards have
occurred. A Step 1 Facility Plan is completed. The town
5-16
-------
has applied for grant money to construct a new treatment
facility.
¦ Sweetwater County Airport. The facility has a discharge
permit, but no discharge has been observed.
* Volcic Trailer Park. The facility has a discharge permit,
but no discharge has been observed.
¦ Western Hills Trailer Park. The facility has a discharge
permit, but no discharge has been observed.
¦ White Mountain Village. The facility is operating at less
than 5 percent of capacity. It is achieving secondary
quality and occasionally tertiary quality effluent.
¦ Wyoming Highway Department (Bitter Creek rest area). In
compliance with discharge permit as of December 1975.
Brldger Valley Subbasin
¦ Fort Bridger. Occasional violations of the fecal coliform
standard have occurred. The system is a single-cell lagoon
with some capability for chlorinating the discharge. The
capacity is not sufficient to meet projected future growth.
¦ Granger. Frequent violation of total suspended solids,
BOD5, and fecal coliform standards have occurred. A Step 1
Facility Plan and design have been completed, and the facility
is now under construction. The source of funds for the
design and construction is the U.S. Economic Development
Agency (EDA).
¦ Kemmerer-Diamondville. The facility is one of the major
dischargers in the Green River Basin. Frequent violations
of fecal coliform, BOD5, and total suspended solids standards
have occurred. The Step 1 Facility Plan is under final
review by the State of Wyoming. They are awaiting funds for
design and construction.
¦ Lyman. Frequent violations of the fecal coliform standard
and occasional violations of the suspended solids standard
have occurred. The Step 1 Facility Plan has been completed
as part of this study. The town has received funds from EDA
and the sewage treatment facility is under construction to
meet the needs of a population of 4,000.
¦ Mountain View. Frequent violations of fecal coliform, BOD5
and suspended solids standards have occurred. The town is
virtually without a treatment system. The Step 1 Facility
Plan is complete, and the town presently is constructing a
three-cell lagoon with EDA funds to meet the discharge
standards; the scheduled completion date is fail of 1977.
5-17
-------
Opal. The facility has had no observed discharge.
Great Divide Basin
Baroil. The facility has had no observed discharge.
Wamsutter. The facility has had no observed discharge. A
Step 1 Facility Plan was completed because of a concern
about capacity to meet the projected growth in the area.
Bear River Basin
Cokeville. The facility has been in compliance since March
1976. An Engineering Assessment report was prepared for the
town under this study.
¦ Evanston. The facility has been in compliance since summer
1976. Operations and maintenance changes were made at that
time. The Step 1 Facility Plan is to be completed as part
of this study. The purpose of the plan is to address issues
associated with growth.
Snake River Basin
¦ Thayne. This facility has been discussed earlier under
"Mining and Industrial Discharges.11
Dairies and Feedlots
Livestock production is by far the most important agricultural business in
the Green River Basin in terms of sales. However, dairies are rare in the
basin. Only 0.3 percent of the estimated 400,000 livestock in the basin
are dairy cows and calves. Feedlots are also rare. Most of the cattle and
sheep are sold as feeders and shipped outside the basin for fattening and
slaughter. A few sheep operations hold lambs long enough to fatten them
and ship them directly to slaughter. Runoff from the few dairies and
feedlots in the basin is not expected to cause significant regional water
quality problems.
Stack Emissions
The connection between air pollution and water pollution is becoming
apparent in many areas. A possible source of salinity in the waters of the
study area is the stack emissions from the two large power plants, Jim
Bridger and Viva Naughton.
The two plants discharge into the air respectively 37,000 tons and 33,000 tons
per year of sulfur dioxide. This gas dissolves in rain and comes down as
sulfuric acid, which can increase the sulfate loads carried by the streams
in the area. The influence of the stack emissions on sulfate loads in the
streams appears to be small. The stack emissions, when converted to sulfate,
are equal to 11 percent of the total sulfate load generated within the
5-18
-------
portion of the Green River Basin in the study area. However, because of
the commonly strong winds in the area and the infrequency of rainfall, the
sulfur dioxide emitted by the plants will be dispersed broadly and some
will come down in areas outside of the study area. Thus, the actual sulfate
loadings to the Green River Basin from stack emissions will be somewhat
less than 11 percent.
The sulfate loadings from the two plants will be even less in the future.
Sulfur dioxide emissions at the two plants will be reduced by 50 percent
under the current compliance schedule and permits issued by the Air Quality
Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
No other significant air pollution sources which might impact water quality
were identified in the area.
Springs
Springs contribute large amounts of salinity in the Colorado River Basin.
However, the identified salinity load from springs in the Green River Basin
is insignificant to the total salinity load. Reagen Spring, located near
the Interstate 80 bridge over Muddy Creek, discharges 730 tons per year,
(EPA, 1972). No other important discharges from springs have been identified
In this study, unless the seeps in the Big Sandy River between Simpson
Culch and Gasson Bridge are considered to be springs. As noted earlier in
this chapter, these seeps are estimated to deliver roughly 100,000 tons per
year to the Green River system.
Nondischarging Wastewater Ponds
All saline industrial and mining discharges in the study area have been
controlled. However, nondischarging municipal and industrial facilities
may increase salinity in surface waters by seepage from evaporation ponds.
Municipal ponds are all located near stream courses so that seepage from
these ponds travels a short distance before discharging to a stream course.
The increase in salinity caused by these ponds is probably slight.
Some industrial nondischarging ponds lie at a considerable distance from
stream courses and in areas of relatively saline soils. Seepage from these
Ponds may result In greater salt loads being carried by ground water to the
surface waters. The case of industrial nondischarging ponds is investigated
more closely in the section entitled "Salinity Loadings from Point Sources."
POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM POINT SOURCES
The previous section described the point sources and assessed their impor-
tance to pollution levels found In the streams and reservoirs of Southwestern
Wyoming. Some of the point sources may be important contributors of phos-
phorus, salinity, fecal collform and oxygen-demanding material. These
Purees are discussed in more quantitative detail in this section of the
Technical Report.
5-19
-------
Phosphorus Loadings from Point Sources
Table 5-1 listed the six types of point sources possibly impacting waters
in the study area. Of these six types of point sources, only municipal
discharges contribute significant amounts of phosphorus to surface waters.
Point source phosphorus loadings have been derived from an effluent flow of
100 gallons per capita per day and an effluent concentration of 10 mg/l for
all treatment facilities. The estimates of flow and concentration are
based on adequate flow data but on only three measurements in the study
area of total phosphorus in the effluent and four of dissolved reactive
phosphorus.
Approximately 43,000 people are served by municipal wastewater treatment
facilities in the areas tributary to Flaming Gorge Reservoir and within the
study area. Based on the assumptions stated above, the total phosphorus
loading to Flaming Gorge Reservoir from municipal wastewater treatment
facilities is 66 tons per year. The Rock Springs and Green River plants
are estimated to deliver 48 tons of phosphorus per year, which is approxi-
mately 73 percent of the total point source loading. The remaining plants
along Bitter Creek and the Green River are estimated to deliver 6 tons per
year, while the Blacks Fork drainage delivers an estimated 12 tons of
phosphorus per year from point sources.
Salinity Loadings from Point Sources
The point sources which have been studied for their impact on salinity
loads in the Green River Basin are industrial and mining discharges, stack
emissions, springs, and nondischarging municipal and industrial wastewater
ponds. The tentative conclusion of this study is that point sources have
little impact on the salinity loads. Industrial and mining discharges,
stack emissions, springs and nondischarging municipal ponds were dismissed
as important salinity sources in previous sections.
The case of industrial nondischarging ponds is investigated more closely in
this section because some ponds lie at a considerable distance from stream
courses and in areas of relatively saline soils. Seepage from the trona
ponds may discharge either to the Green River between Big Island and the
Town of Green River or to the Blacks Fork between Lyman and Little America.
Surface and subsurface flows from the wastewater treatment ponds at the
Viva Naughton Power Station near Kemmerer discharge to Little Muddy Creek.
Changes in salt loads through the stream stretches called out above are
shown on Table 5-5 for the low-flow months (September through February).
It was assumed that the effect of seepage from industrial ponds would be
most noticeable at this time of the year because of the absence of other
effects such as surface runoff and irrigation return flows. As shown on
the table, the net Impact of the trona ponds may be to contribute up to
22,000 tons per year of salt to the Green River system. A more detailed
ground water analysis is required to assess more accurately the impact of
the trona ponds. The data indicate that these ponds may actually be
reducing salt loads in the Green River system by diversion and consumption
of relatively high saline water.
5-20
-------
Table 5-5
EFFECT OF NONOISCHAKCINC INDUSTRIAL PONDS ON SALINITY
Upstream Station
Green River near
Big Island
(9/7«-2/7()
Green River near
Big Island
(9/75-2/7*)
Blacks Fork near
Lyman
(9/7S-2/7()
Headwaters.
Little Muddy
Creek
Instream
Load
(tons/day)
IOI(
971
«7(
Downstream Station
Green River near
Green River
(9/74-2/75)
Green River near
Green'River
(9/75-2/7()
Blacks Fork near
Little America
(9/75-2/76)
Little Muddy Creek
Near Glencoe
(9/75-2/76)
Instream
Load
(tons/day)
1090
1012
452
U
Gain in Stretch
(tons/day) (tons/year)
Possible Salinity
Source
Sail Reduction
from Industrial
Diversions
(tons/year)
Majcinuwi Possible
Cain in Salinity
Due to Industrial
Ponds
(tons/year)
71 27.000 Trona Ponds 5000 22.000
34 12.000 Trona Ponds 5000 7000
Trona Ponds 5000 -5000
Viva Naughton
1) 5000 Power 11.000 -(000
-------
The water quality data also indicate that the diversion and consumption of
moderately saline water at the Viva Naughton Power Station may more than
offset salinity gains from seepage. Therefore, the effect of the power
station may be actually to reduce salt loads discharged from the study
area. Again, however, an analysis of the hydrogeology in the area would
permit a more accurate assessment of its impact.
Other Contaminant Loadings from Point Sources
In addition to salinity and phosphorus, fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen
were identified as widespread water quality problems in Chapter 3. Water
quality monitoring data suggest that many of the high fecal and low dis-
solved oxygen concentrations are directly or indirectly attributable to
poor quality effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants.
NPDES standards for fecal coliform are frequently violated at the following
plants—Green River, Husky Truck Stop, Rock Springs, South Superior, Granger,
Kemmerer-Diamondville, Lyman, and Mountain View. The approximate locations
of these eight plants are shown on Figure 5-7. Also shown on Figure 5-7
are the locations with the highest fecal coliform concentrations. In most
cases, these locations are just below the outfalls of the eight plants
mentioned above. The juxtaposition of plant effluents with high fecal
coliform concentrations and instream sampling locations with highest fecal
coliform concentrations implicates municipal wastewater treatment plants as
the major fecal coliform source in the study area.
A comparison of empirical instream fecal coliform concentrations based on
effluent loadings with observed instream concentrations further proves the
importance of municipal wastewater treatment plants as a fecal coliform
source. Table 5-6 lists four instream locations and the major municipal
treatment plants contributing to the fecal coliform loadings at those
locations. Empirical fecal coliform concentrations have been calculated at
those four locations by assuming average instream flows, point source flows
equal to 100 gallons per capita per day, and point source fecal coliform
concentrations of 1 million colonies per 100 milliliters. These flows and
concentrations closely approximate those found in the effluents of the Rock
Springs, Green River, and Kemmerer plants. As shown on the table, the
point sources can more than account for observed fecal coliform concentra-
tions at those four locations. Therefore, it appears that municipal waste-
water treatment plants appear to be the most important fecal coliform
sources in this study area.
Municipal wastewater treatment plants also appear to be linked directly and
indirectly to many of the dissolved oxygen problems in the study area.
NPDES standards for BOD5 are frequently violated at the following plants—
Green River, Husky Truck Stop, South Superior, Granger, Kemmerer-
Diamondville, and Mountain View. The approximate locations of these six
plants are shown on Figure 5-8. Also shown on Figure 5-8 are the locations
of dissolved oxygen problems. Low dissolved oxygen concentrations occur In
the Hams Fork below the Kemmerer area and in the Green River below the Town
of Green River. The high BOD5 concentrations in the plant effluents of
Kemmerer-Diamondville, Green River, Husky Truck Stop, and South Superior
5-22
-------
LN
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT DISCHARGING
EFFLUENT WITH HIGH FECAL COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS
ONE OR MORE VIOLATIONS OF THE FECAL COLIFORM CRITERION HAVE
OCCURRED, AND THE AVERAGE CONCENTRATION ALSO EXCEEDS THE
CRITERION.
ONE OR MORE VIOLATIONS OF THE FECAL COLIFORM CRITERION HAVE
OCCURRED. BUT THE AVERAGE CONCENTRATION DOES NOT EXCEED THE
CRITERION.
to
so
to
40
SCALE
MILES
Soldier'
Creek I
\Font J i •
FAPSON
Cr
Viva
Vijy/iton i
»amSUtT£*
r
FIGURE 5-7
LOCATIONS OF INSTREAM FECAL
COLIFORM VIOLATIONS
Peserv>1r
CH2M
¦"HILL
-------
Table 5-6
COMPARISON OF OBSERVED FECAL COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS
WITH EMPIRICAL CONCENTRATIONS BASED ON POINT LOADINGS
Location
Green River near
Green River
Smiths Fork near
Lyman
Hams Fork near
Diamondville
Blacks Fork near
Little America
Contributing
Point Source
Rock Springs
Green River
Mountain View
Kemmerer-
Diamondville
Mountain View
Lyman
Kemmerer-
Diamondville
Granger
Observed Average
Concentration
(#/100 ml)
741
1017
2300
940
Empirical
Concentration
(#/100 ml)"
3000
1200
5700
3500
5-24
-------
0 MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT DISCHARGING
EFFLUENT WITH HIGH BODr CONCENTRATIONS.
ONE OR MORE VIOLATIONS OF THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CRITERION
10
*0
SO
40
scale im milcs
etTg v
SweE r»AtER 3igSandyK
Reservoir
SWEETWATER
iFonttrnell •
Cr
WAMSUT TEQ
Fes •? cvol r
FIGURE 5-8
LOCATIONS OF INSTREAM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN VIOLATIONS
rianin? Gor-je
Peservoxr
CH2M
SSHILL
-------
may be important causes of the dissolved oxygen problems at these two
locations. A Streeter-Phelps dissolved oxygen sag analysis should be run
to assess how important are the high BOD5 concentrations in the effluents
to the dissolved oxygen problems in the lower Hams Fork and lower Green
River.
The plant effluents may be indirectly linked to the dissolved oxygen problems
because they provide nutrients for algal growth. When algae respire or die
and decay, they require large amounts of dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms
are common in the lower Green River, the Green River arm and upper reaches
of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the lower Hams Fork, and the Snake River arm of
Palisades Reservoir. Municipal treatment plants are located above all
those reaches. Thus, the phosphorus and nitrogen loadings from the plant
effluents may be indirect but important factors leading to the dissolved
oxygen problems.
NONPOINT SOURCES
From the above discussion it appears that point sources are not the major
contributors to the salt and phosphorus loads found in the area streams.
Most of the loadings can therefore be attributed to nonpoint sources. The
13 possibly important nonpoint sources identified in this study were listed
on Table 5-1 and are discussed below.
Geologic Erosion
Suspended sediment may be adversely affecting fish populations in the study
area. Suspended sediment may also play an important part in water quality
in the Green River Basin as a carrier of phosphorus, metals, fecal coliform,
and soluble salts. The association of the first three contaminants with
sediment has been widely documented. Recently, the Bureau of Land Management
has found a correlation between salt and sediment loads in the Upper Colorado
River Basin and suggested that dissolution of some of the eroded material
may be a major process contributing to instream salinity.
The process which delivers sediment to the streams is erosion. Two types
of erosion have been defined in the study area, geologic erosion and accel-
erated erosion. Geologic erosion is influenced by natural factors, such as
the type of soil, the steepness of slopes, and the intensities and frequen-
cies of rainfalls. Sediment, phosphorus, and salt loadings from geologic
erosion are estimated in this section.
On the other hand, accelerated erosion in the study area is concerned with
man-related factors such as overgrazing, mining, construction, cultivation,
and recreational vehicle use. These activities can greatly increase geo-
logic erosion rates and create suspended sediment problems in the streams.
Contaminant loadings from accelerated erosion are discussed in the following
four sections.
A few observations on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir watershed indicate the
importance of geologic erosion as a sediment source. The first observation
is that the watershed is very large. Approximately 15,000 square miles in
5-26
-------
Utah and five Wyoming counties are tributary to Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Several reservoirs are scattered throughout the watershed, and these trap
some of the sediment before it reaches Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Never-
theless, the portion of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir watershed below those
reservoirs covers about 10,000 square miles, most of which is in the study
area. The approximate extent within the study area is shown on
Figure 5-9. Free-flowing streams can deliver eroded sediment and its
associated contaminants from this large area to Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
The second observation is that geologic erosion has been active in carving
fantastic land forms in the study area. Erosion relief is dramatic in the
lower end of the Bitter Creek subbasin, in some parts of Bridger Valley,
and in the vicinity of Flaming Gorge Reservoir itself. The sediment eroded
in these areas used to be carried out of Wyoming by the Green River. Now,
however, it is trapped behind Flaming Gorge dam. The phosphorus carried by
the sediment is also now trapped in the reservoir.
Methodology. Salt and phosphorus loads from geologic erosion have been
estimated for the portion of the Green River Basin in the study area (see
Figure 5-9). The method for calculating these loads is summarized briefly
below:
1. Influence areas, those areas capable of producing and delivering
eroded material, were defined.
2. General erosion rates, taken from the Type IV study for the
Green River Basin, were applied to the influence areas to deter-
mine empirical sediment loads in each reach.
3. Soil types in the Green River Basin, defined in the Type IV
study, were characterized chemically by comparing them to soil
types in Sweetwater and Fremont Counties on which chemical data
were available.
4. Loadings of phosphorus, calcium, and sodium to streams from
erosion were calculated by applying the chemical data on soils to
the empirical sediment loads in each reach.
It is important not to exaggerate the precision of these calculations.
Assumptions and extrapolations of existing data are made during each of
the four steps described above. However, although admittedly imprecise,
the numbers can indicate the relative contribution of geologic erosion to
Phosphorus and salinity loadings. They can also be used to identify those
areas which are delivering the largest loadings from geologic erosion.
Areas capable of delivering significant sediment loads to the Green River
were assumed to be the moderately to steeply sloped lands along perennial
H) The Type IV study is a cooperative State and Department of Agriculture
venture whose purpose is to identify natural resource problems and
develop methods for correcting them.
5-27
-------
AF TON
%/ Wdu j n ton
7
i::
LINCPL
woolrv
N*rco*
Reserve
• EVANST
FREEHONT
Sweetwater
90
SCALE IN MILES
*—-A
Los t
S o 1 11 e c
f r-efc
9AIROIL
I- ft
*J <
tu. ^
•AMSUTTER
FIGURE 5-9
AREA CONTRIBUTING SEDIMENT
TO FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
CH2M
-------
and intermittent streams. These influence areas cover 22 percent of the
Green River watershed in the study area. The remaining 78 percent is
assumed not to deliver significant sediment loads because of flat terrain
arid large distances from stream courses.
The Universal Soil Loss equation was used to calculate geologic erosion
rates in the influence areas. The Universal Soil Loss Equation predicts
sediment yield (erosion rates) rather than sediment in the streams. However,
the assumption is made that all sediment eroded in the influence areas is
delivered to the stream courses. This appears to be a reasonable assumption
because of the way influence zones have been defined.
One of the variables in the Universal Soils Loss Equation (USLE) is the
amount of cover ("C"). Ranges for "C" in the study area are: greasewood
and saltbrush, 0.41-0.081; sagebrush and grass, 0.012-0.040; and low sage-
brush, 0.040-0.080 (McClellan, 1977). Some of this variation is due to
natural conditions such as soil type and climate. However, a significant
portion is also due to grazing practices. Overgrazing can significantly
reduce cover, thereby increasing erosion. Therefore, some of the sediment
loading attributed to geologic erosion in this section is actually caused
by overgrazing, which is one of the accelerated erosion sources. The
locations of overgrazed lands and the impact of overgrazing on contaminant
loadings is discussed in the next section.
Erosion Rates. Figure 5-10 shows the calculated geologic erosion rates in
the study area section of the Green River watershed. The most severe
erosion is predicted along KHIpecker Creek and Red Creek, in the vicinity
of Henrys Fork, and in the vicinity of the Green River at its confluence
with the Big Sandy River. Extensive areas of moderate erosion include the
Upper Bitter Creek, Muddy Creek, and Little Muddy Creek drainages. Smaller
areas of moderate erosion occur in the Jack Morrow drainage and on the east
side of the Green River between Big Sandy River and Bitter Creek.
A comparison is made on Figure 5-10 of the areas of moderate to heavy
geologic erosion and the stream reaches in which fisheries were Identified
as impaired because of excessive total suspended solids concentrations. In
almost every case, the impaired reach lies in or below extensive areas of
moderate to heavy geologic erosion. The exception is Big Sandy River,
where accelerated erosion sources may be causing the high concentrations.
Several reaches have total suspended solids concentrations which average
more than 1000 mg/l, but are not shown as impaired for fisheries only
because fisheries is not a designated use on them. These reaches are Lower
Bitter Creek, Salt Wells Creek, and KHIpecker Creek. Lower Bitter Creek
and KHIpecker Creek lie In or below areas of high geologic erosion, but
Salt Wells Creek does not. Like Big Sandy River, the high total suspended
solids concentrations in Salt Wells Creek may be caused by some type of
Wan-Induced erosion.
Calculated empirical sediment loadings from geologic erosion are compared
with instream suspended sediment loads measured at Blacks Fork near Little
America and Green River near Green River on Figure 5-11. Annual sediment
5-29
-------
ERQSIQN
SLIGHT (0-0.5 TONS/ACRE/YR)
MODERATE (0.5-1.0 TONS/ACRE/YR)
HEAVY (GREATER THAN 1.0 TONS/ACRE/YR)
1 j reran!
STREAM REACHES WITH SUSPENDED SOLIDS
CONCENTRATIONS EXCEEDING CRITERION
*~ OTHER STREAM REACHES WITH HIGH TOTAL
SUSPENDED SOLIDS CONCENTRATIONS
N
scale in MILES
FPEEMONT
5UBI.E T TE
BAlROlt
• EE TWA TE»
Lost
Soldier
Fontene;i•
cservoir
' jt j gh ton
111. u
"in cr
KEMMEP
h
tt4
WEEN
ft I -tifc.
•»
SUPER IOR
^ A
: I : . A
^ * *
* -CW
WAMSUTTER
GRANGER
i tiiti
S»r : p#S
l"M
•.EV»N5-»jf .
h v 1 / y'/ /
1®
\t • ••
V' • : M
•>;«' . • >-
I
Flawing jo n*.
ffei'T'/oi r
S: sV u
len ru
FIGURE 5-10
SOIL EROSION MAP
CRAt
KHir
-------
600,000
LOAD AT BLACKS FORK NEAR
LITTLE AMERICAN
LOAD AT GREEN RIVER NEAR
GREEN RIVER
a. a
in <
D Ul
V) >-
_i
-------
loads at both locations vary considerably. However, the empirical estimate
falls in the range of the measured instream sediment loads, and the empir-
ical load estimate at both locations differs by only 30 percent from the
average annual instream loads. Therefore, the calculated empirical loadings
from geologic erosion appear to account for essentially all the suspended
sediment in the streams. (As noted earlier in this section, the empirical
loadings also include the effects of overgrazing.)
Phosphorus Loadings. Geologic erosion rates were applied to chemical data
on soils from the Eden- Farson area in Sweetwater County and neighboring
Fremont County to yield an estimate of the salinity and total phosphorus to
be expected from eroded soil of a particular soil type. Chemical informa-
tion was available on the solubility of cations in the saturation extract
and the available phosphorus for each soil type in the two areas. Cation
solubility was converted to total dissolved solids by assuming cations to
be divided evenly between sodium and calcium and anions to be divided
evenly between bicarbonate and sulfate. Available phosphorus was assumed
to approximate total phosphorus.
Chemical soils data from the Eden-Farson and Riverton areas were applied to
the soils in the study area by comparing soil types (gravelly, loamy,
clayey, etc.) in the Eden-Farson and Riverton areas with those in the study
area. The erodable soils in the study area were determined to range 0.03-0.08
percent phosphorus and 0.2-1.1 percent soluble cations.
Figure 5-12 indicates those reaches in the study area which have the highest
loading rates of phosphorus. These six critical areas for phosphorus
include Red Creek, Killpecker Creek, Jack Morrow Creek, and a region con-
taining Lower Muddy Creek, Little Muddy Creek, and the Church Butte reach
of the Blacks Fork.
Estimated phosphorus loadings from geologic erosion are listed on Table 5-7
for the five critical reaches tributary to Flaming Gorge Reservoir (excluding
Red Creek). The total loading from geologic erosion in these five reaches
is 170 tons per year, which is 33 percent of the total empirical phosphorus
loading to the reservoir from geologic erosion (including the effects of
overgrazing).
Salinity Loadings. Unlike phosphorus, little of the salinity load in the
Green River and the Blacks Fork is attributed to geologic erosion. Table 5-8
shows estimated salinity loadings from geologic erosion. These loadings
account for 3 percent of the salt load increases within the study area from
the Blacks Fork and Green River drainages.
Overgrazing
Overgrazing is one of the four accelerated erosion processes investigated
in this report. Overgrazing can reduce ground cover, thereby increasing
the erodability of the soils. It can also increase runoff and bring about
bank destabilization and erosion. Broad areas of poor range conditions
exist within the study area. The largest areas are located in the Bitter
Creek drainage, the Big Sandy drainage, the Muddy Creek drainage, and the
5-32
-------
MM.IT1<-SMCmT|« Q
COUNTT (.IMC
FIGURE 5-12
PHOSPHORUS LOADING RATES
SLIGH
HOOeHATC(0.4-0»l US/ACRE/YeAK)
| * HEAVY (>O.I LBS/ACRC/YEAR)
UTAH
STA1C LINK
1TTF* C«CtK
Sc*sp55*
. AMCfttC*
II1TLI OUT
CHECK
UTAH
StATC i.
-------
Table 5-7
ESTIMATED PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS FROM GEOLOGIC EROSION H) IN
THE REACHES WITH THE HIGHEST PHOSPHORUS LOADING RATES
Phosphorus Loading
Reach (tons/year)
Killpecker Creek 10
Jack Morrow Creek 26
Lower Muddy Creek 34
Little Muddy Creek 81
Church Butte-B lacks Fork 19
TOTAL 170
(1) As noted in the text, these loadings include the effects of overgrazing.
5-34
-------
Table 5-8
ESTIMATED SALINITY LOADINGS FROM GEOLOGIC EROSION
Stretch of River
Green River
Sublette-Sweetwater line
to station below
Fontenelle
Station below Fontenelle
to station at Big Island
Station at Big Island
to station below Green
River
Blacks Fork
Headwaters to station
near Lyman
Station near Lyman to
station near Little
America
Other Direct Tributaries to
blaming Gorge
TOTAL
Total Dissolved Solids
Loading
(tons/year)
680
4,700
6,850
660
6,475
3,215
22,580
(1)
(1) Total dissolved solids increase from all sources is 760,000 tons per year.
5-35
-------
Church Butte reach in the Blacks Fork. Although some of these poor range
conditions may result from natural causes, most of them probably occur or
are worsened because of overgrazing.
Overgrazed conditions may be caused by wild or domesticated animals. Wild
animals, particularly wild horses, have received much public attention in
the study area because of their impacts on limited water supplies and
grazing lands near those water supplies. Wild animals certainly cause some
of the poor range conditions; by overgrazing and trampling the vegetation;
for example, wild horses overgraze areas along the Big Sandy River and the
Green River below Fontenelle Reservoir. However, approximately 90 percent
of the wild animals are browsers rather than grazers, and it is the latter
who typically cause most of the poor range conditions. By contrast, cattle
and sheep are grazers; they greatly outnumber wild horses and other grazing
wild animals in the study area. Therefore, cattle and sheep appear to have
the larger impact on vegetative cover in the area.
Big Sandy River and Salt Wells Creek were called out in the previous section
as having high total suspended solids concentrations but not being located
in areas of high geologic erosion rates. These high concentrations may be
attributable to poor range conditions caused by overgrazing. SCS has
identified 30 miles of serious stream bank and gully erosion along Salt
Wells Creek (USDA, 1978) . This erosion may be directly caused by over-
grazing along the banks or indirectly caused by increased runoff due to
overgrazing.
Overgrazing may also be increasing erosion rates in those areas identified
in the previous section to have high geologic erosion rates. Figure 4-13,
delineates the critical areas with moderate to high geologic erosion rates
and poor range conditions. Instream water quality data substantiate the
conclusion that the combination of these two factors produces the largest
widespread erosional loadings in the study area.
Six critical reaches with high phosphorus loading rates from geologic
erosion were identified on Figure 5-12. Two of these reaches, Killpecker
Creek and Red Creek, are shown on Figure 5-13 to have generally poor range
conditions and heavy erosion rates. Three other critical reaches, Lower
Muddy Creek, Little Muddy Creek, and parts of the Church Butte reach in the
Blacks Fork, are shown to have generally poor range conditions and moderate
erosion rates. The most significant impacts of overgrazing on phosphorus
loadings probably occur in these five reaches. The other reach. Jack
Morrow Creek, does not have poor range conditions.
The correlation shown on Figure 5-13 between high geologic erosion rates
and poor range conditions implies the importance of overgrazing to erosion.
Because of this apparent importance, some rough estimates of phosphorus
loadings due to overgrazing alone have been made. As with the geologic
erosional loading estimates, these numbers must be considered only as
ballpark estimates; but they can be useful in indicating the relative
importance of grazing practices to phosphorus loadings.
5-36
-------
POOR RANGE CONDITION AND
HEAVY GEOLOGIC EROSION RATE
r.1 POOR RANGE CONDITION AND
MODERATE GEOLOGIC EROSION RATE
10
40
SCALE in MILES
FREE MQNT
_SUPV £_T TF
S WE ET*A!t3 b
v—-.. QAIROIL
LOS C
Soldier •
Creek I
SWEETWATER
J g Sandy
Rcservoir
I'onteneJ 1 •
[COKE VILLE
"in Ci
SUPER IOR
«AMSUTTER
y >od r 'j f f o
Reserve* i
FIGURE 5-13
CRITICAL EROSION AREAS
Pes-? r \"3 ; t
CH2M
•¦HILL
-------
Analysis of SCS data collected in the study area (McClellan, 1977) shows
that ground cover is 40-60 percent in areas of poor range conditions and
60-80 percent in areas of good range conditions. Based on these covers,
the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) predicts erosion from lands with
poor range conditions to be 55-80 percent higher than erosion from lands
with good range conditions. The large percentage change demonstrates the
impact of overgrazing on geologic erosion rates.
Table 5-9 presents erosion loadings calculated for seven reaches by USLE.
Overgrazing is extensive and phosphorus loading rates are moderate to high
in these seven reaches. The estimated percentage change (55-80 percent) in
geologic erosion rates caused by overgrazing has been used to determine
ballpark estimates of loadings due to overgrazing alone. Overgrazing is
estimated to increase phosphorus loadings to Flaming Gorge Reservoir by
104-149 tons per year from the seven reaches with extensive overgrazing.
Mining Site Erosion
The location of existing mining sites is shown on Figure 5-14. All the
trona mines are underground, while all the coal mines are strip except for
the Stansbury mine north of Rock Springs and the Rainbow #8 mine south of
Rock Springs. No large erosional loadings are expected from any of the
deep mines, particularly since they are located at considerable distances
from major stream courses. The concentration of strip mines in the Kemmerer
area would appear to have the potential to impact water quality. However,
water quality data do not link these mines with any water quality problems.
Extensive oil and gas drilling has occurred in the Green River Basin,
particularly in the Salt Wells watershed. This drilling activity can have
the same effect as overgrazing by destroying vegetation. Each drilling
site is estimated to disturb approximately 3 acres. This disturbed area
becomes highly susceptible to accelerated erosion. Although it is difficult
to estimate the extent of drilling in the watershed, up to 1,000 sites may
have been disturbed over the last 20 years. The drilling activity may be
partially responsible for high suspended solids concentrations in Salt
Wells Creek, where concentrations average almost 19, 000 mg/l during the
May-September period. However, because it has disturbed a very limited
area, drilling activity is presently estimated to have an insignificant
effect on total phosphorus loadings to Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Construction Site Erosion and Channelization
The population growth in the study area has been dramatic. New construction
associated with this growth has increased erosion in two ways. First,
construction activity disturbs the soil and removes protective vegetation.
Second, runoff typically increases from urbanizing and urban areas, and the
stream banks erode until the channel finds a new geometry to handle the
increased flows. The high total suspended solids concentrations in Lower
Bitter Creek, which average over 12,000 mg/l during the May-September
period, may be partially attributable to construction activity in the Rock
Springs area.
5-38
-------
Table 5-9
ESTIMATED PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS FROM OVERGRAZING
Loading from Geologic Erosion Loading Attributable
Reach and Overgrazing to Overgrazing Alone
(tons/year) (tons/year)
High Phosphorus Loading Rate
and Poor Range Conditions
Killpecker Creek 10 6-8
Lower Muddy Creek 34 19-27
Little Muddy Creek 81 45-65
Church Butte-Blacks Fork 19 10-15
Moderate Phosphorus Loading Rate
and Poor Range Conditions
Upper Bitter Creek 23 13-18
Salt Wells Creek 14 7-11
Lower Big Sandy River 6 3-5
TOTAL
187
103-149 (55-80% of total)
-------
THA YNE «
C COAL MINE
CI CLAY MINE
PHOSPHATE MINE
TRONA MINE
» AFT ON
SUSVEJ.TE
i *A TER Bi q ->'jndy
r onttfne 11«
P.eservoi r
FARSON
OKEVILLE
r, KEE-N
PICK
»jP ANvj
WiO'Jruff
Vjfrow?
F' ^ .'fvoir
Ci
Evans tcn
FI ami ng Cor -je
R®servoir
Kenryi
H Al t
scale in miles
freemont
sveetmater
BAIKOIL
Los t
So idler*
CreeJk
fc A " * ^ ITTPl
FIGURE 5-11
LOCATION OF EXISTING
MINING SITES
CH2M
-------
Even though construction activity may significantly increase erosion rates
on land under construction, the area covered by construction is small
relative to the total area of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir watershed. A
Much greater impact of construction-type activity has probably been caused
by the channelization of streams. As shown on Figure 5-15, Bitter Creek is
a naturally meandering stream pinched between the Union Pacific Railroad,
Interstate 80, and Rock Springs urban development. Channel straightening
has been a common practice where meanders in the river have endangered
structures or private property. When channels are straightened, stream
Velocities are increased and vertical erosion can take place. This vertical
erosion also encourages sloughing from the banks. The increased flow
velocities may also have contributed to flood problems in Rock Springs.
According to the Type IV study for the Green River Basin, annual flood
damages attributed to Bitter Creek amount to $37,000.
figure 5-15 shows that the railroad also follows much of Lower Muddy Creek.
Channelization to protect the railroad bed has also occurred along this
stream.
It is probably more than mere coincidence that the highest total suspended
solids concentrations occur in the same reaches in which channelization has
taken place. It is not possible to quantitatively estimate how much this
channelization has added to the total suspended solids and phosphorus loads
carried by the streams. Even without channelization, loads in Muddy Creek
and Bitter Creek would be high because of the high geologic erosion rates
and overgrazing in those drainages. However, the tall and unstable banks.
Particularly along Bitter Creek, are visible testimony to the vertical
erosion promoted by channelization.
Agricultural Runoff
Phosphorus may be delivered from irrigated areas by erosion of banks along
irrigation canals and ditches. Erosion has been observed in the Star
Valley and the Bridger Valley. Sediment has to be cleared periodically
from ditches and canals in these areas in order to ensure proper flow.
Much of the eroded sediment probably does not reach the rivers through the
Irrigation canal systems. Flows are generally too slow in irrigation
canals where they meet rivers to carry much eroded sediment. Therefore,
erosion along irrigation canals and ditches is considered a local problem
which has an impact on individual farmers, but probably has a small influ-
ence on the phosphorus loads delivered to the reservoirs.
The Yellowstone-Tongue River 208 Plan for a six-county area in northeastern
Montana found an average sediment loading of 65 pounds per acre per year
from hay fields and pasture. In the Green River Basin, hay fields and
Pasture account for most of the irrigated area. If the loading rate deter-
mined in the Yellowstone-Tongue River area could be applied to the Green
River Basin, the entire irrigated acreage in the Green River Basin delivers
^,000 tons of sediment and 3 tons of phosphorus per year. These loading
rates are lower than those from lands in the area which have been left in
their natural state.
5-41
-------
n«*f
iMAYN£ «
| \ UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
1-80
• AFTON
N
SCALE m tttt.CS
FREEMONT
..jgaAiwoic
Los c
Soldier'
C
fonfoip* *«
; -QKE VILUE.
«, / .V4Jjnton
SUPERIOR
«. *
L INCOIN
UINTA
br- pi i KyS
Hoodruff
vj rrows
Sescrvoi r
t van*? rr»
LYMAN
rUnin^ Corge
fi^scrvoir
FIGURE 5-15
CHANNELIZATION
OF BITTER CREEK
AND MUDDY CREEK
CH2M
SSHILL
-------
Manure Runoff
Animals directly influence phosphorus loads in the rivers in the study area
in two ways. First, as dicussed earlier, overgrazing can accelerate
erosion of phosphorus-bearing soils. Second, manure can be washed into
stream courses by snowmelt and storm water runoff.
The portion of the Green River Basin in the study area contains approx-
imately 200,000 cattle and sheep, 60 percent of which are assumed to be in
the Blacks Fork watershed and 40 percent in the Green River watershed.
Phosphorus production by cattle was estimated at 35 pounds per head per
year in a report done for the Teton County 208 Project, and 5 percent of
the phosphorus in the manure was assumed in that report to be delivered to
the streams by runoff. This delivery rate falls in the range of runoff
losses from manure spread on frozen ground and is probably too high during
Periods when the ground is not frozen. Therefore a delivery rate of 2
percent was assumed in the study area. Given this delivery rate and phos-
phorus production rate, the estimated phosphorus loading from manure runoff
to Flaming Gorge Reservoir is 65 tons per year. Forty tons are delivered
to the reservoir by Blacks Fork and 25 tons by the Green River.
Manure runoff may also have some effect on fecal coliform and dissolved
oxygen concentrations in the streams. The major water quality problems for
both constituents shown on Figures 5-7 and 5-8 appear to be located more
with respect to municipal treatment plants than to concentrations of live-
stock. However, some of the minor fecal coliform problems shown on Figure 5-7
are located in areas of heavy grazing, such as Bridger Valley and Lower Big
Sandy River. Manure runoff may be a significant source in these areas.
The reason that manure runoff seems to be a minor contributor in most areas
's that fecal coliform and oxygen demanding material are transported to the
streams from manure during periods of runoff, or relatively high flow.
Most of the samples have been taken during dry (non-runoff) periods, so
Water quality data may be inadequate to judge the full impact of manure
runoff on stream quality. A second possibility is that during runoff
periods these loadings might be diluted down to acceptable levels.
Urban Runoff
Major urban areas cover about 20 square miles of the approximately 15,000 square
mile Flaming Gorge watershed. Even at a relatively high phosphorus loading
""ate of one pound per acre per year in urban runoff, the urban areas are
estimated to contribute only six tons of phosphorus per year to Flaming
Gorge Reservoir. Five of those 6 tons come from the Rock Springs-Green
River area, while the remainder comes from the Kemmerer area and Bridger
Valley. Loadings of salinity, fecal coliform, and oxygen demanding sub-
stances from urban runoff are even less significant in terms of total
contaminant loadings.
The most important impact of urban runoff on water quality is probably
associated with the increase in runoff from urbanized areas. As mentioned
earlier, this flow increase will force a new channel geometry, thereby
5-43
-------
producing vertical erosion and bank sloughing. This process is clearly
visible along Killpecker Creek. The impact of this process on contaminant
loadings is difficult to assess quantitatively, however.
Septic Tanks
Most of the population in the study area is on municipal systems with
discharges monitored under the NPDES program. However, approximately
2,000 people in the Blacks Fork watershed and 2,300 people in that part of
the Green River watershed in the study area aind tributary to Flaming Gorge
Reservoir are on systems with no surface discharges. These systems are
either septic tanks or nondischarging lagoons. Almost half of the total
population on these systems is located in the Rock Springs-Green River
area.
The estimated phosphorus loading discharged to these systems is 3.0 tons
per year in the Green River watershed and 2.4 tons per year in the Blacks
Fork watershed. With proper soil conditions and design, no phosphorus
should be delivered from these systems to the surface waters. All the
phosphorus should be sorbed to solid particles before the leachate or
seepage reaches the streams. In reality, some of the systems in the study
area are failing because of improper installation, overloading and poor
soil conditions. Therefore, it is assumed that up to 50 percent of the
phosphorus discharged to the systems may eventually reach the streams.
Given this assumption, phosphorus loadings from septic tanks and nondis-
charging lagoons to streams may be as high as 1.5 tons per year in the
Green River watershed and 1.2 tons per year in the Blacks Fork watershed.
More important than loadings of phosphorus are the loadings of fecal con-
form and other bacteria and viruses from improperly operating septic tank
systems. The majority of the fecal coliform problems from septic tanks has
occurred in the Bridger Valley. Several cases of hepatitis in this area
have been attributed to bacterial contamination of drinking water supplies
from failing septic tanks. Reasons for the falling septic tanks are
improper installation, high water tables primarily due to irrigation, poor
soils, close proximity of septic tanks to wells, and poor maintenance.
Irrigation Return Flows
The greatest impact of agriculture on water quality in the study area is
increasing salt loads carried by rivers. The mechanism is irrigation
return flows. Irrigated areas are shown on Figure 5-16. Large areas of
irrigation are located along the Bear River and the Salt River. In the
Green River Basin, the largest areas of irrigation are located near Lyman
on the Blacks Fork and the Smiths Fork, near Eden and Farson on the Big
Sandy River, and in the Henrys Fork area. Irrigated lands cover 244,000 acres
in the study area. This acreage includes irrigated lands, occasionally
irrigated lands, and subirrigated lands.
An estimate was made of the salt loading from irrigation return flows in
the Bridger Valley oh the Blacks Fork and Smiths Fork. It was assumed that
4 feet of water are applied to the land during an irrigation season and
5-44
-------
IRRIGATED AREAS
scale in milcs
FR6EWQNT
iFont^ne 1 ]«
weiervoir
WAMSUTTER
•RANGER
FIGURE 5-16
IRRIGATED AREAS
-------
that the excess irrigation water returns to the Blacks Fork at the average
concentration of the shallow ground water in the Blacks Fork area. This
average, calculated from data on eight wells, was 654 mg/l of total dis-
solved solids. Given these assumptions, the salt load from irrigation
return flow in this area is 125,000 tons per year, or 2.0 tons per acre per
year. The loading rate is comparable to the rate of 2.4 tons per acre per
year calculated by EPA for this area (EPA, 1971).
Ground water quality information was insufficient for other areas in the
Green River Basin to make salt loading estimates. Salt loading estimates
from the literature are given for the other major irrigated areas in the
Green River Basin on Table 5-10. The total salt loading in the Green River
Basin generated within the study area is 760,000 tons per year. The loadings
from irrigation return flows account for approximately 37 percent of the
total load generated.
Natural Ground Water Discharge
Salinity and phosphorus loads from ground water discharge to surface water
are the most difficult contaminant sources in the study area to quantify.
However, enough information is known about the ground water system to allow
identification of the critical areas of ground water impact on surface
water. These critical areas are identified in this section of the report.
In order for ground water to pick up significant amounts of salts or phos-
phorus, three conditions should be present:
¦ The consolidated or unconsolidated material through which the
ground water passes must have leachable salts or phosphorus
¦ A source of recharge must be present to provide water to the
system
¦ The geologic structure must facilitate deep circulation and then
resurfacing of the ground water
The presence of these three conditions in any area indicates an area of
significant ground water impact on surface water.
Regions in the study area with rocks of high leachability are shown on
Figure 5-17. One region includes the Mancos-type shales, whose potential
for delivering high salt loads has been identified in other areas of the
Colorado River Basin. In the study area, these shales are called the
Frontier, Hilliard, Baxter, and Cody Formations. Because of their marine
origin, the shales have large amounts of leachable sodium, chlorine, and
sulfate.
As shown on Figure 5-17, the largest regions of Mancos-type shales are
located in the Bitter Creek, Salt Welis Creek, and Little Muddy Creek
watersheds. Movement of ground water along contact zones with these shales
is probably the reason for the high sulfate, chloride, and total dissolved
loads in Killpecker Creek and Bitter Creek.
5-46
-------
Table 5-10
SALT LOADING ESTIMATES FROM IRRIGATION RETURN FLOWS
Area
Blacks Fork arid
Smiths Fork
Big Sandy River
Hams Fork
Henrys Fork
TOTAL
Annual Salt
Loadings
(tons)
125,000
<277,000
"140,000
73,000
17,000
88,000
303,000-507,000
Loading Rate
(tons/ac/yr)
2.0
2.4
<14.6
"7.4
3.9
1.5
4.9
Reference
This study
EPA(I)
SCS (2)
SCS (3)
epaH)
EPA
EPA
(1)
(1)
(1) Environmental Protection Agency. 1971. The mineral quality problems
in the Colorado River Basin, summary report.
(2) Soil Conservation Service. August 1976. USD A plan of study for the
Big Sandy unit, draft.
(3) Soil Conservation Service. May 1975. Plan of study for USDA partici-
pation in salinity control investigations for the Big Sandy River unit,
Wyoming, draft.
5-47
-------
CONTACT
WILKINS
ZONE
PEAK
BRIDGER
BETWEEN
FORMATION
FORMATION
MANCOS-TYPE SHALES
SUP! .
r»
~ ~ + ~ « f
r:
c.
V
w(
OK.EV ILLE .
ljke Vivd
tfa u jfiton
KEMMt
L PK 3LN
uRANGER
FREEMONT
1M
'0 to SO 40
SCALt IN MIIC*
SMEETtfATER
Los
Soldier I
C reek
.._*|bairoil
KAMSUTTER
FIGURE 5-17
AREAS OF HIGHLY LEACHABLE
MATERIALS IN GREEN RIVER
BASIN (SURFACE GEOLOGY MAP)
( H-'M
ami
-------
A second critical region is the contact zone between the Wilkins Peak
Formation and the Bridger Formation. The Wilkins Peak Formation is particu-
larly high in leachable sodium and carbonates and contains the trona patch
presently being mined near Green River. The Bridger Formation is concen-
trated in calcium and sulfate. Calcium sulfate has a lower solubility than
the sodium salts, and, therefore, the Bridger Formation is generally not as
highly leachable as the Wilkins Peak Formation or the Mancos-type shales.
The leachability of the Bridger Formation is greatly increased along the
contact zone between that formation and the Wilkins Peak Formation. In
010st parts of the study area, interaction between the two formations is
prevented by a layer of impermeable Laney shale located between the two
formations. However, along the contact zone, where the Laney shale is
extremely thin or nonexistent, salts from the two formations interact in
the following manner: sodium and bicarbonate from the Wilkins Peak Forma-
tion react with calcium and sulfate from the Bridger Formation to yield a
Precipitate of calcium carbonate along with dissolved sodium and sulfate.
This interaction has two serious impacts. First, the chemical reaction
Pumps highly soluble sodium sulfate into the ground water system, which can
create SAR problems in irrigation water and laxative problems in drinking
Water. Second, the calcium carbonate precipitate increases the permeability
°f the rock and permits a larger quantity of highly saline water to pass
through the rock and into the surface water.
Mater must be available to move through the rocks mentioned above in order
to produce large salt loads in the ground water. In many areas there is
little water available to recharge ground water. One such area is the
trona patch, which is filled with trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) which has
not been leached out because of the absence of perennial streams or sufficient
precipitation to recharge the ground water.
The most important recharge areas in the study area occur along the perennial
streams. Although most of the flow in these streams remains in the stream
channels, some flow seeps through the banks and recharges the ground water
system. Recharge in the study area has been increased by the construction
°f upstream reservoirs and by irrigation. These two activities convert
some of the flow which used to continue downstream in the rivers to seepage
and ground water recharge.
pour river sections have been identified to be in a region of highly leach-
able rock and soils and in a region of adequate recharge. These are two of
the three conditions mentioned earlier for producing large salt loads in
ground water. The four sections are—
¦ Big Sandy River between Big Sandy Reservoir and the confluence
with the Green River
¦ Hams Fork between Kemmerer and Granger
¦ Blacks Fork and Smiths Fork between Robertson and Granger
5-49
-------
M Henrys Fork between Burnt Fork and Manila
A geologic structure that facilitates ground water movement is the third
critical element needed to produce large salinity loadings. This type of
structure is found in only two of the four river sections—the Big Sandy
River and the Blacks Fork-Smiths Fork sections. As shown on Figure 5-4
and 5-5, large salinity loads are generated in the Big Sandy River section
and the Blacks Fork-Smiths Fork section. Sodium and sulfate are the major
contributors to the increase in total dissolved solids in these two sections.
In the Big Sandy, the two reservoirs and the irrigation project are located
at the upgradient end of the syncline and along the contact zone of the
Bridger and Wilkins Peak Formations. Saline seeps are located at the
downgradient end of the syncline. The syncline permits a deep circulation
of the ground water (up to 300 feet) and a long contact time with the
salinity-producing rocks. A similar situation occurs in Bridger Valley.
Structure in the Big Sandy area not only facilitates deeper circulation of
ground water in the shallow aquifers, but also appears to allow very little
of the highly saline water in the deep aquifers to reach the surface.
Ground water in the deep aquifers would have to be forced through undeformed
oil shale (Laney Formation) in order to reach the surface. Although this
deep ground water is under a large head which has produced artesian con-
ditions in wells in the area, large volumes of water probably do not pass
through the oil shale because of its low permeability. A preliminary SCS
water budget for the area, which will be refined in their final study on
the Big Sandy unit of the Colorado River Salinity Project, substantiates
the conclusion that no large volumes of water are delivered from the deep
aquifers to the Big Sandy River. A rough water budget for the Bridger
Valley area done by SWWQPA for this study indicates that, as in the Big
Sandy area, an insignificant amount of salinity in the Blacks Fork stretch
can be attributed to movement of ground water in the deep aquifers to the
surface.
Structure appears to impede deep circulation of ground water in the shallow
aquifers and movement of the ground water in the deep aquifer to the surface
in the Henrys Fork and Hams Fork stretches. In Henrys Fork, high concen-
trations of calcium sulfate are present from leaching of the Bridger Forma-
tion. However, structure apparently does not facilitate circulation through
the contact zone in the Henrys Fork watershed, because large loadings of
sodium sulfate are not present in the river. A similar situation occurs in
the Hams Fork. The upper sections of this river and Viva Naughton Reservoir
are located in a geologic overthrust belt, and recharge from this area may
move downwards into deep ground water aquifers which do not impact surface
waters in the Hams Fork.
The discussion above indicates that most of the salinity loadings from
natural ground water discharges come from the shallow aquifers in the Big
Sandy drainage and Bridger Valley, and not from either the deep aquifers in
those two stretches or from shallow and deep aquifers in the Henrys Fork
and Hams Fork stretches. Salinity loadings from ground water have been
calculated by subtracting the loadings calculated earlier for irrigation
return flows and erosion from the salinity loads in the river. These
5-50
-------
differences are shown for the Green River, Blacks Fork, and Henrys Fork on
Table 5-11.
Phosphorus loads in ground water result from the same three conditions
which produce large salinity loads in ground water. The Permian Phosphoria
Formation contains a high content of phosphorus. Because of its age, the
formation is often far below the surface and below the ground water systems
affecting surface water in the study area. Figure 5-18 shows those areas
where the formation is near enough to the surface to have a potential
impact on surface water quality.
The largest phosphorus deposits and the greatest impact of them on surface
water appear to be in the Bear River and Greys River watersheds. Water
quality data indicate high phosphorus loads in the Bear River, particularly
in the lower reaches; however, information is not available to define the
importance of phosphorus in ground water to the total load in the river.
Water quality data on phosphorus in the Greys River are scarce, so neither
total loads nor the contribution of ground water can be determined.
Silviculture
Silviculture is not an important activity in the study area, because most
°f the area is not forested, and because those parts that are forested are
not easily accessible or highly productive. Most of the forested land is
also on State or Federal land, and there is a strong demand to maintain
these public forests for wildlife habitat, recreation, and scenery. There-
fore, silviculture is not considered to be an important existing contaminant
source and is not expected to develop into one in the future.
Residual Wastes Oisposal
No water quality problems could be associated with the disposal of residual
Wastes. Quality of the ground water is not monitored in the vicinity of
the disposal sites, so it is not known whether problems from residual
Wastes disposal may arise in the future.
Oil Spills
Occasional oil spills have occurred in the Rock Springs area. The bottom
deposits in Killpecker Creek are saturated with oil in the vicinity of the
Wyoming Highway Department facilities, the Delgago Oil Company, and the
Sage Construction Company. These oil deposits can add considerably to the
BOD of waters in Killpecker Creek.
SUMMARY
Loading Budgets for Phosphorus
Table 5-12 presents the loading estimates from all phosphorus sources to
the Green River arm and Blacks Fork arm of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The
values were derived from the empirical methods described earlier, rather
*han from actual data directly. The empirical data are more convenient to
5-51
-------
Table 5-11
ESTIMATED SALINITY LOADINGS IN THE STUDY AREA FROM GROUND WATER
Salinity Loadings From
Ground Water
River (1,000 tons/year)
Green River 141-3453
Blacks Fork 181(2)
Henrys Fork 19
(1) Loading comes primarily from shallow aquifers in the Big Sandy
River.
(2) Loading comes primarily from shallow aquifers in Bridger Valley.
5-52
-------
ARSOt*
GRANGE*?
10 0 10 20 SO 40
scale m Mites
FREEMONT
SWEETWATER
* BA1ROIL
Los t
Soldter I
Creek I
WAMSUTTER
FIGURE 5-18
PHOSPHATE DEPOSITS WHICH
HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO
IMPACT SURFACE WATERS
CH2M
KHILL
-------
Table 5-12
PHOSPHORUS BUDGET FOR FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR ARMS
(tons/year)
Source To Green River Arm To Blacks Fork Arm
POINT SOURCES
Mining and Industrial Discharges 0 0
Municipal and Private Treated
Sewage Discharges 54 12
Dairies and Feedlots 0 0
Stack Emissions 0 0
Springs 0 0
Nondischarging Wastewater Ponds 0 0
NONPOINT SOURCES
Geologic Erosion 198-211 88-121
Overgrazing 29-42 74-107
Mining Site Erosion 0 0
Construction Site Erosion (a) (a)
Agricultural Runoff 0 0
Manure Runoff 25 40
Urban Runoff 5 1
Septic Tanks 2 1
Irrigation Return Flows 0 0
Natural Ground Water Discharges 0 0
Silviculture 0 0
Residual Wastes Disposal 0 0
Oil Spills _0 _£
POINT LOADINGS 54 12
NONPOINT LOADINGS 272 232
TOTAL LOADINGS 326 249
1976 INSTREAM LOAD 295 80
(a) Unknown contribution from construction and channelization.
5-54
-------
work with because they relate directly to the sources. Instream data, on
the other hand, lump all sources together. Total empirical loadings are
compared with actual instream data on Table 5-12. The agreement for the
Green River Arm is satisfactory; the apparent disagreement in the Blacks
Pork Arm has not been investigated, but is likely due to low flow or
climatic differences for the year for which specific instream data are
shown. Because phosphorus loadings are highly dependent on erosion, and
therefore precipitation patterns, wide variations instream are likely. The
empirical values tend to average out these variations.
As shown on Table 5-12, the four principal phosphorus sources to the two
arms of Flaming Gorge Reservoir are municipal wastewater discharges,
geologic erosion, overgrazing, and manure runoff. The facilities and
reaches delivering most of the phosphorus from these four sources are
listed on Table 5-13. Management options will be developed in Chapter 9 to
control these sources.
Estimated phosphorus loadings to the main body of Flaming Gorge Reservoir
are presented on Table 5-14. The Green River Arm and Blacks Fork Arm serve
as natural phosphorus treatment basins for the main body of the reservoir.
Phosphorus is reduced in the two arms by sedimentation of particulate
Phosphorus and by algal uptake and settling. Phosphorus loadings from the
two arms to the main body of the reservoir have been estimated from total
phosphorus concentrations in the arms and flows at Green River near Green
River and Blacks Fork near Little America. Only 31 percent of the 326 tons
Per year delivered to the Green River Arm and 8 percent of the 249 tons per
year delivered to the Blacks Fork Arm are estimated to reach the main body
°f the reservoir. Because of the natural processes occurring in the two
arms, the estimated phosphorus loading reaching the main body of the reser-
voir is less than the estimated phosphorus loadings reaching either of the
two arms.
The loadings from the two arms to the main body of the reservoir are based
°n limited water quality data. More work on these loading estimates should
be done as more phosphorus data in the two arms become available.
Loading Budget for Salinity
A loading budget for salinity in the Green River Basin is presented on
Table 5-15. Empirical estimates have been made of the salinity delivered
In irrigation return flows and from erosion. The salt loadings in ground
Water are the difference between the measured instream loads and the empiri-
cally derived loadings from irrigation return flows and erosion. As shown
°n the table, most of the salt loading comes from natural ground water
discharge to the surface waters. Irrigation return flows account for an
estimated 35 to 58 percent of the salts generated in the study area. The
salt contribution from erosion is negligible.
The sources and locations of salinity problems are summarized on Table 5-16.
All the salinity problems result in part, and in some cases totally, from
natural ground water discharges. Management options will be developed in
Chapter 8 to control the salinity sources listed on the table.
5-55
-------
Table 5-13
PRINCIPAL EXISTING PHOSPHORUS SOURCES
Municipal Wastewater Discharges Rock Springs
Green River
Kemmerer-Diamondvi lie
Granger
Fort Bridger
Lyman
Mountain View
Geologic Erosion (from Figure 5-12) Lower Muddy Creek Reach
Little Muddy Creek Reach
Church Butte-Blacks Fork Reach
Killpecker Creek
Jack Morrow Creek
Overgrazing (from Table 5-9) Lower Muddy Creek Reach
Little Muddy Creek Reach
Church Butte-Blacks Fork Reach
Killpecker Creek
Upper Bitter Creek Reach
Salt Wells Creek
Lower Big Sandy River Reach
Manure Runoff Same as those for overgrazing
5-56
-------
Table 5-14
PHOSPHORUS BUDCET FOR THE MAIN BODY OF FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
(tons/year)
Source Loading
POINT SOURCES (U
All Sources 0
NONPOINT SOURCES
Geologic Erosion and Overgrazing 75
All Others 0
OTHER SOURCES
Flow from Green River Arm 100
Flow from Blacks Fork Arm 20
TOTAL 195
(1) Sources which contribute phosphorus to Green River arm or Blacks
Fork arm are not included. They are indirectly addressed under
the category "Other Sources".
5-57
-------
Table 5-15
SALINITY BUDGET FOR GREEN RIVER IN WYOMING
Source
ALL SOURCES OUTSIDE STUDY AREA
POINT SOURCES
All Sources
NONPOINT SOURCES
Green River Blacks Fork Henrys Fork
300
Geologic Erosion
10
4
3
Overgrazing
2
3
0
Mining Site Erosion
0
0
0
Construction Site Erosion
0
0
0
Agricultural Runoff
0
0
0
Manure Runoff
0
0
0
Urban Runoff
0
0
0
Septic Tanks
0
0
0
Irrigation Return Flows
73-277
142
88
Natural Ground Water Discharges
141-345
181
19
Silviculture
0
0
0
Residual Wastes Disposal
0
0
0
Oil Spills
0
0
0
TOTAL EROSION
22
(3%)
TOTAL IRRIGATION RETURN FLOWS
303-507
(35-58%)
TOTAL NATURAL GROUND WATER
DISCHARGES
341-545
(39-62%)
TOTAL
870 (100%)
5-58
-------
Table S-16
PRINCIPAL EXISTING SALINITY SOURCES
Use Constituent
Reach with Water
Quality Problem
Source
Location
Industrial Water Supply Total Dissolved Solids
Green River, Big Island Reach
to Green River Arm
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Outside study area
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Sublette County
Blacks Fork Arm
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Contact zone, Bridger Valley
Contact zone, Bridger Valley
Middle Hams Fork
Natural ground water discharges
Bridger formation. Hams Fork
drainage
Livestock and Wildlife Chloride
Watering
Killpecker Creek
Natural ground water discharges
Mancos-type shales, Killpecker
Creek drainage
Sulfate
Upper Bitter Creek
Natural ground water discharges
Mancos-type shales. Bitter
Creek drainage
Killpecker Creek
Natural ground water discharges
Mancos-type shales. Killpecker
Creek drainage
Total Dissolved Solids
Killpecker Creek
Natural ground water discharges
Mancos-type shales, Killpecker
Creek drainage
Public Water Supply Sulfate
Green River
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Flaming Corge Reservoir
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
and Bridger Valley
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
and Bridger Valley
Lyman Reach-Blacks Fork
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Contact zone, Bridger Valley
Contact zone, Bridger Valley
Lower Hams Fork
Natural ground water discharges
Bridger formation. Hams Fork
drainage
Total Dissolved Solids
Green River
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Outside study area
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Sublette County
-------
Loadings of Other Contaminants
The sources and locations of fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen problems
are summarized on Table 5-17. Sources of these contaminants are numerous
and vary from location to location. In general, however, municipal waste-
water discharges appear to be the most important contaminant sources, with
septic tanks also important in the Bridger Valley. Management options will
be developed in Chapter 10 to control the sources listed on the table.
5-60
-------
Table 5-17
OTHER PRINCIPAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES
Use
Constituent
Secondary Contact Recrea Fecal Coliform
Recreation
Reach with Water
Quality Problem
Lower Green River
Bitter Creek
Salt Wells Creek
Killpecker Creek
Lower Smiths Fork
Middle Hams Fork
Primary Contact Fecal Coliform Border Reach, Bear River
Recreation
Creen River (#13. #15. #16. #17)
Lower Creen River (#18)
Upper Big Sandy ^
Blacks Fork, Lyman to
Little America
Middle Hams Fork^
Fishery Dissolved Oxygen Snake River
Green River, Lower Reach
Hams Fork, Middle and
Lower
(1) Under national goal only.
Source
Location
Municipal wastewater discharges
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Rock Springs
Green River
Rock Springs
South Superior
Husky Truck Stop
Salt Wells Creek drainage
Killpecker Creek drainage
Killpecker Creek drainage
Mountain View
Bridger Valley
Bridger Valley
Municipal wastewater discharges KflmmererPiamnnrivHIe
Manure runoff
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Green River drainage
Rock Springs
Green River
Big Sandy drainage
Kemmerer- Diamond vi lie
Granger
Lyman
Mountain View
Bridger Valley
Bridger Valley
Municipal wastewater discharges Kemmerer-Diamondvllle
Municipal wastewater discharges
(BOD,)
Principal phosphorus sources
Municipal wastewater discharges
(BOD5)
Principal phosphorus sources
Municipal wastewater discharges
(BOD5)
Municipal wastewater discharges
(phosphorus)
Outside study area
Outside study area
Green River
Husky Truck Stop
South Superior
See Table 5-13
Kemmerer-Diamondvllle
Kemmerer-Diamondvi lie
-------
Chapter 6
FUTURE WATER QUALITY
Rock Springs, Creen River, and Kemmerer have the atmosphere of boom towns.
And yet the boom may have just begun. Vast deposits of trona, coal, uranium,
and oil shale, and vast reserves of oil and natural gas are still to be
developed. The development of these resources may cause water quality
problems more severe than those already impacting the study area.
The information on existing water quality given in Chapter 3 and on contam-
inant sources in Chapter 5 can be used to predict future water quality.
This information is applied to scenarios of future conditions developed in
this chapter to estimate the degree to which contaminant loadings and
concentrations may change in the future.
IMPACTS OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
In Chapter 5 both man-caused and natural sources of pollution were discussed.
Projections of future water quality in this chapter are only made in terms
of man-caused sources. Pollutant loadings from natural sources vary con-
siderably from year to year because of the large changes in the amounts and
intensities of precipitation. For example, during a year characterized by
a large number of intense thunderstorms, geologic erosion will be relatively
high and streams will carry relatively large loads of phosphorus. In
contrast, during a dry year the pollution loadings from such natural sources
will be low. It has been assumed here that these weather effects would
balance out and that there will be no increase or decrease in pollutant
loadings from natural sources over the next 20 to 40 years.
On the other hand, pollutant loadings from man-induced sources are likely
to change considerably over the next 20 to 40 years. The study area con-
tains vast, untapped mineral reserves. Information from the State Engineer's
Office and from energy and mineral companies indicates that there will be a
rapid development of these resources over the next 20 to 40 years. Existing
and proposed mining sites and developed oil and gas fields are located on
Figure 6-1 (Department of Economic Planning and Development, 1 977). As
shown on the figure, the future development of resources will be particu-
larly intense in Sweetwater County. Rock Springs, already with the atmos-
phere and appearance of a boom town, should continue to grow at a rapid
rate. Population growth from mineral resources development should also
take place in the Town of Green River and the Kemmerer area.
Mineral resources development is likely to have strong impacts on future
water quality without the institution of water quality management practices.
These impacts will probably be secondary in nature. The conclusion in
Chapter 5 was that almost all existing mineral resources development has
had minimal direct or primary impact on surface water because it has gener-
ally taken place at great distances from surface waters, because all the
6-1
-------
L I NC LiL *4
C COAL MINE
CP PROPOSED COAL MINE
Cl CLAY MINE
PHOSPHATE MINE
TRONA MINE
UP PROPOSED URANIUM MINE
OIL 6 GAS FIELD
I M A fNt
• aftqn
-'esc r voir
r o n t o " #>
A»SON
S? CP
CP-^C
lINCOLN
E <^CK •
* t >LR .~
JlfiTH
Vj / r dir.*.;. Op f
< " s f »U:a=v V :
>>/ BR I DGER
.E VANS TON
fJanunij jorge
ftes^rvjj r
M '
scale in wiles
FREEMONT
Sweetwater
UP
Los C
Soldier t
Creek I
QA1ROIL
Up
CP
,v*
.*& WAM5UTTER
h a
ui| <
u» u
:o
c., .1
/* ;/eet
Z ^ -Li J!
wypMihq
cclorauo
FIGURE 6-1
EXISTING AND PROPOSED
MINING SITES
CH2M
¦•HILL
-------
energy and mineral development industries are not discharging wastewater,
and because development has not taken place in areas of recharge to those
ground water aquifers which have an eventual impact on surface waters. One
exception is coal mining along Hams Fork near Kemmerer.
Most future mineral resources development is shown on Figure 6-1 to continue
in areas which are likely to have minimal direct impact on surface waters.
Most of the proposed mine sites are out of the alluvial valleys and not in
important areas of recharge to the ground water. The only area of proposed
mine sites where direct impacts may occur is along Killpecker Creek. This
area was identified in Chapter 3 to have high salinities and in Chapter 5
to have high unit phosphorus loading rates. Mineral development in this
area should be monitored closely for potential water quality impacts.
Future secondary impacts of mineral resources development on water quality
will probably outweigh the primary impacts. These secondary impacts include—
B Greater consumptive use of water, which may have the effect of
concentrating contaminants remaining instream.
¦ Population growth, which will increase the discharge of pollutants
from wastewater treatment plants unless treatment is upgraded.
¦ Construction of roads, homes, and businesses, which will increase
erosion rates unless special construction practices are used.
H Channelization of streams to protect roads, railroads, homes, and
businesses, which may have the effect of increasing the stream
gradient, thereby increasing both the erosive capabilities of the
streams and their capabilities to carry sediment loads to the
major rivers and reservoirs.
The secondary impacts of energy and mineral development in the study area
fall into three major categories: increased erosion, increased wastewater
discharges from municipal treatment plants, and increased (or decreased)
instream pollutant concentrations from new diversions and depletions. The
pollutant loadings from increased erosion are difficult to quantify.
Because of the importance of erosion to phosphorus loadings to Flaming
Gorge Reservoir (see Chapter 5), increases in pollutant loadings from new
man-induced erosion may be substantial for not only phosphorus but also
other pollutants such as metals. The effects of the other two secondary
impacts, increased wastewater discharges and increased diversions and
depletions, have been quantified for the scenarios described in the following
section.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS
Scenarios of the study area's potential growth have been developed to
estimate what impact future developments will have on water quality. A
scenario describes the kind and level of possible development and the
associated socioeconomic characteristics. The basic data used in forming
the scenarios included population and employment forecasts and local devel-
opment plans. Information was gathered from industry and the three levels
of government.
6-3
-------
Purpose of Scenarios
The end objective of the scenarios was to provide water demand forecasts in
order to establish a basis for determining potential water quality problems
and for testing the effectiveness of possible control concepts, as discussed
in a later chapter. It is not important that the scenarios be entirely
accurate in terms of specific industries. Their purpose is to reflect the
relationship of different levels of development to water quality. The
scenarios have been generated to see if different development patterns
produce significantly different water quality situations. Through the
Green River computer model, the scenarios have been used to tell what level
of development is associated with what degree of impact. Although they
have been devised from the best data available, the scenarios are only
estimates of future growth drawn from existing documents, not from original
research.
Development of Population Scenarios
Two scenarios were prepared to represent different intensities of develop-
ment in the study area, as implied by the wide range of population and
employment projections in the various studies consulted. Both considered
six major impact areas: (1) Green River, (2) Rock Springs, (3) Bridger
Valley, (4) Evanston, (5] Kemmerer, and (6) a new town that would be built
near Wamsutter.
The more aggressive scenario has been titled "Energy Export." It assumes
that the resources of the study area will be converted locally and that the
resulting energy will be shipped to outside areas. This scenario assumes
(1) an exponential demand for energy in the U.S., (2) continued increases
in international crude oil prices, (3) national policy for energy indepen-
dence, (4) quantum technological advancements, and (5) sufficient water and
labor supply. Given these assumptions, development of oil shale and coal
gasification and accelerated electric power generation are possible. This
scenario results in a population increase in the SWWQPA area from about
79,000 in 1985 to approximately 143,000 by the year 2000.
The less aggressive scenario has been titled "Coal Export." It projects
that population in the SWWQPA study area will be about 73,000 in 1985 and
85,000 in the year 2000. The scenario is based on the export of coal from
the study area to other areas for energy conversion. The assumptions used
included (1) the people of Wyoming will decide against further development
of power generating facilities that export energy to outside areas; (2)
technology permitting the use of high sulfur eastern coal, oil shale, or
coal gasification will be developed; (3) the national demand for energy
will not expand as rapidly as projected in the early 1970's.
Population estimates resulting from the two levels of development are
presented on Table 6-1. The actual level of development that does occur
will depend not only on economic factors, but also on policy decisions made
at the State or national level. The two scenarios that have been developed
reflect both these influences on growth.
6-4
-------
Table 6-1
POPULATION ESTIMATES
Energy Export Scenario
Impact Area 1975 1985 2000
Green River 9,000 20,270 33,670
Rock Springs 20,000 36,600 60,800
Bridger Valley 3,200 3,940 7,110
Evanston 4,900 5,470 9,860
Kemmerer 4,600 10,100 19,900
Wamsutter - 2,550 1 1,290
TOTAL 41,700 78,930 142,630
Coal Export Scenario
Impact Area 1975 1985 2000
Green River 9,000 17,010 20,020
Rock Springs 20,000 31,590 36,205
Bridger Valley 3,200 4,170 4,388
Evanston 4,900 5,760 6,060
Kemmerer 4,600 10,600 11,700
Wamsutter - 3,970 6,890
TOTAL 41 ,700 73, 1 10 85,263
The employment multiplier used in the two scenarios is the same as that
developed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in its Sublette County study
(USBR, Sept. 1976) . It is obtained by assuming that 2.2 service jobs
follow each additional basic job. The product of this calculation is then
divided by 1.2, which is the average number of persons employed per house-
hold in the SWWQPA area, and then multiplied by the average household size,
which is 3.4. Thus, for every 100 new basic employment positions, popula-
tion will increase by 623, as calculated below;
100 x 2.2 : 1 .2 x 3.4 = 623
This multiplier was applied to all basic employment except construction. A
multiplier of 4.5 was assumed for this sector due to the smaller family
sizes typically associated with construction workers. Using the same
formula presented above, but reducing the average family size from 3.4 to
2. 45 results in a construction multiplier of 4.5.
6-5
-------
Water
Demands
The projected water demands in the study area for both scenarios are given
°n Table 6-2. As is evident from this table, depletions due to agricultural
demands and reservoir evaporation are not predicted to change under either
Scenario. However, industrial and municipal depletions increase signifi-
cantly. The location and quantity of existing industrial depletions in the
Green River Basin are shown on Figure 6-2, while the location and quantity
projected industrial depletions under the two scenarios are shown on
figures 6-3 and 6-4.
None of the water shown as depleted on the two figures is assumed to be
returned to the streams. Under these scenarios, water is used consump-
tively within the basin. This assumption describes present practices
Within the Green River Basin.
Table 6-2
WATER DEPLETION ESTIMATES FOR THE STUDY AREA
Cn acre-feet per year)
1975 2000
Enerqy Export
Coal Export
industrial
Agricultural
Municipal
Other (')
Reservoir
Evaporation
63,590
223,650
4,170
9,310
26,300
175,174
223,650
14,270
23,300
26,300
104,674
223,650
8,715
23,300
26,300
TOTAL
327,020
462,694
386,639
(1) The "Other" category includes water used for fish and wildlife and for
livestock depletions.
The total depletions developed for the two scenarios and presented on
Table 6-2 do not include transbasin diversions to points outside of the
study area. The possibility exists that water available under the Colorado
River compact will be diverted out of the study area to water-short regions
in eastern Wyoming. The State of Wyoming has projected that by year 2000
about 92,000 acre-feet per year may be diverted from the Green River Basin
to other basins within the State.
The points of any transbasin diversions are undetermined at the present
time. Therefore, three different transbasin diversion scenarios have been
developed to assess the impacts of transbasin diversions on the Green River
Basin and Colorado River Sasin:
6-6
-------
iNArNE *
af rnrj
S -.I- ;
1 8 , ZX3f6] AF
/YR
1M
SCALE IH MILES
>JnJy
ffei> f '.*o j r
6,772,AF/YR
154 AF/YH
4.617 AF/YR
3,848 AF/
P»NGER
BO t000 AF/YR
•J
FREEMONT
Sweetwater
V- _A BAIROIL
Lo s t
SoUisr *
Creek I
¦ amSuT T€R
FIGURE 6-2
PRESENT INDUSTRIAL
WATER DEPLETIONS
CH_>M
-------
I 0
30
40
scale m wats
V.
S"«v_c t rf
fhqnt
S*££TwATER
^ .A 9a I Rom
: st
J i e r I
15,400 AF/YR
23,100 AF/YR
30,000 AF/YR
AF/YR
FIGURE 6-3
INDUSTRIAL WATER DEPLETIONS
COAL EXPORT YEAR 2000
-------
STATE WATER PLANNING FEELS THIS MAY COME FROM THE GREEN RIVER AREA
(3) COULD BE MOVED TO THE AREA NEAR THE STATE LINE
30
40
20
10
10
scale >m miles
FPEEMONT
IS
22 . 5
la A I RO I L
SWEG T*ATE«
Los C
Res c t
AF
J.
!. j k ~» V i
¦VJU/.TC 'J fi ,
128,2*00 AF/YR
7.500 AF/YR
I 5,700~fF/YR
S^PERIOR
18,800 AF/VR
OO'I
7 , 500 /AF/YR
30^0Q
>' AF/YR
FIGURE 6-4
INDUSTRIAL WATER DEPLETIONS
ENERGY EXPORT YEAR 2000
30,000 AF/YR
.#?servoir
7,500'AF/YR
AF/YR
-------
¦ Diversion of 92,000 acre-feet per year from Fontenelle Reservoir
to identify the impacts of diverting high quality water
h Complete diversion of Big Sandy River (approximately 60,000 acre-
feet in 1975) to identify the impacts of diverting highly saline
water
¦ Complete diversion of Bitter Creek to identify the impacts of
diverting water with high phosphorus concentrations
Although the last two scenarios are probably not realistic from an engi-
neering or water rights standpoint, they have been retained in order to
assess the most extreme conditions.
It is difficult to correlate projected water depletions and diversions for
the 208 study area with those developed by the State of Wyoming for the
Green River Basin because the 208 boundaries are not coterminous with the
Green River Basin boundaries. However, with the assistance of the State,
water demand projections have been made for that portion of the Green River
Basin within the study area based on the energy export scenario, the coal
export scenario, and a scenario developed by the State of Wyoming. These
three projections are compared on Table 6-3. As shown in the table, the
State of Wyoming projections approximate those developed for SWWQPA for the
aggressive energy export scenario.
METHOD FOR PREDICTING FUTURE WATER QUALITY
The two depletion and three diversion scenarios developed in the previous
section have been used to quantitatively predict the effects of future
conditions on the concentrations of total dissolved solids, sulfate, and
phosphorus. The scenarios describe different levels of depletions, diver-
sions and population. These three variables are inputs to a computer
simulation model called the Green River model. The model uses different
combinations of these three variables to predict future water quality.
The Green River computer model is based on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
model, Water Quality for River-Reservoir Systems. It has been fully described
in a separate report (CH2M HILL, June 1977). Runs have been made by the
Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) at the University of Wyoming.
The results of these runs are summarized in later sections of this chapter.
A more complete description of the results is presented in three other
reports (WRRI, 1977a; WRRI, 1 977b; WRRI, 1978).
Application of the Model
The Green River model is termed a simulation model because it describes or
simulates flows and constituent levels that happen under certain specified
conditions in a river-reservoir system. There are provisions in the model
for changing the quantity and quality of waters that enter the modeled area
in order to test conditions other than those which have existed in the
past.
6-10
-------
Table 6-3
WATER DEPLETIONS AND DIVERSIONS IN YEAR 2000 FOR THE PORTION
OF THE GREEN RIVER BASIN IN THE SWWQPA 208 AREA
(In acre-feet/year)
Industrial
Agricultural
Municipal
Other
Reservoir
Evaporation
Transbasin
Diversion
SWWQPA
Energy Export
174,300
114,000
13,270
23,300
26,300
(1)
Coal Export
103,800
114,000
8,110
23.300
26,300
(1)
State of
Wyoming
168, 800
114,000
20,000
23,300
26,300
92,000
TOTALS
351,170
275,510
444,400
(1) Three different transbasin diversion scenarios have been developed.
6-11
-------
The model is set up to account for the following list of constituents:
temperature, dissolved oxygen, BOD, alkalinity, pH, carbon dioxide, ammonia,
nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, coliform, two forms of atgae, zooplankton,
detritis, total dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids, and sulfate. The
model has been used in this report to predict future conditions for phos-
phorus, algae, TDS, and sulfate, because these appear to be the most critical
pollutants at the present time. The model is on the WRR1 system and can be
used in future studies to simulate levels of the other constituents.
The output data describe water quality at two points in the Green River,
one at 1.7 miles below the confluence of Bitter Creek and the Green River
and the other one in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. These two points have been
selected to characterize future water quality because the quality of water
at these points may be strongly impacted by population growth in the Rock
Springs-Green River area and by diversions and depletions upstream. The
single point in the reservoir describes average conditions throughout the
reservoir. As noted in Chapter 3, the two arms are considerably more
eutrophic than the main body of the reservoir. Therefore, the location in
the reservoir which would most closely correspond to the modeling point
would be somewhere near the confluence of the two arms and the main body.
The approximate locations of the two points are shown on Figure 6-5.
The model predicts the effects of increased wastewater discharges and
increased diversions and depletions on water quality at the two points
shown on Figure 6-5. The model has tested existing condtions and seven
different combinations of the two depletion scenarios and the three diversion
scenarios. These eight combinations are outlined below:
B Existing (1975) conditions
a Year 2000 conditions under the energy export scenario, with
phosphorus controls on wastewater discharges
B Year 2000 conditions under the energy export scenario, without
phosphorus controls on wastewater discharges
B Year 2000 conditions under the coal export scenario, with phos-
phorus controls
o Year 2000 conditions under the coal export scenario, without
phosphorus controls
0 Year 2000 conditions under the energy export scenario, with
diversion and consumptive use of 92,000 acre-feet per year from
Fontenelle Reservoir
¦ Year 2000 conditions under the energy export scenario, with
complete diversion and consumptive use of Big Sandy River
u Year 2000 conditions under the energy export scenario, with
complete diversion and consumptive use of Bitter Creek
Certain boundary conditions were assumed in order to apply the model. It
was assumed that the quality and quantity of water in the Green River as it
6-12
-------
LOCATION AT WHICH
WATER QUALITY PROJECTIONS
HAVE BEEN ANALYZED
10
20
40
SCALE in MILES
SWEETWATER
P •* w 3 j n ¦] -j
Peserso t r
Los t «
Soldier '
CreeA 1
|font«n(»l I *
Ok £ V I Ll.L
C*
Cr
**M5UTTER
FIGURE 6-5
LOCATION POINTS FOR WATER
QUALITY PROJECTIONS
E V A ti~> T C N
Flawing "ocge
CH::M
HILL
-------
enters the study area would not change over the next 25 years. This assump-
tion should be reviewed at the completion of the 208 study for Sublette
County, if it is funded. Clearly quality and quantity changes in the Green
River as it passes through Sublette County will have major impacts on the
water quality of the Green River within the study area.
Calibration
The Green River model has been calibrated, which means that the mathematical
expression used to describe conditions in the lower Green River and Flaming
Gorge Reservoir has been adjusted specifically to account for known con-
ditions in the Green River system. Thus, the model is not a generalized
model but one specific to the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
The model was calibrated for 1972 because that was the most coherent set of
data available at the time the model was developed. Since that time,
better data have become available for 1975 and 1976. The data that were
available upon which to develop the model were not entirely adequate, and
the report mentioned above strongly recommends that the model be recali-
brated at some future period when a much better data set is available.
Model runs were made in this study for phosphorus and TDS with the better
1975 data in order to determine if the model, calibrated for 1972, could
accurately predict 1 975 conditions. Results from the 1 975 runs are illus-
trated on Figures 6-6 and 6-7, where Figure 6-6 describes TDS levels and
Figure 6-7 describes phosphorus levels in the Big Island reach of the Green
River. The model adequately simulates TDS conditions during the period
illustrated. While the simulation for phosphorus is not as close as that
for TDS, a reasonable match is seen for the period from late May through
early September. The reasons for the variation between simulated values
and observed values are unknown at the present time.
FUTURE TDS AND SULFATE LEVELS
Five conditions have been selected from the eight mentioned in the previous
section to illustrate the largest impacts of future actions on salinity.
These five conditions are:
a Existing (1975) conditions for depletions and diversions
u Year 2000 conditions under the coal export scenario without
phosphorus controls
" Year 2000 conditions under the energy export scenario without
phosphorus controls
H Complete diversion and consumptive use of Big Sandy River
B Diversion and consumptive use of 92,000 acre-feet per year from
Fontenelle Reservoir
The model has been used to predict the impacts of these conditions on TDS
and sulfate levels in the Green River below Bitter Creek. In addition, the
results from the model have been used to estimate the change in salinity
6-14
-------
560
480
A 00
„ 320
J
O
z
W 240
Q
160
80
A
A
jS v
/
/
//
/ /
/
/
vv
i/
\\
\
A?
/r
Jy
\—v
rY
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
FIGURE 6-6
COMPARISON OF 1975 TDS CONCENTRATIONS
AT BIG ISLAND WITH MODELED RESULTS
MODEL — —
(MILE 115)
USGS
(MILE 116.4)
CH2M
"THILL
-------
56
48
40
32
I
i\
!
/
1
I
I
/\
sK
/ / \
1
t
1
/
I
I
I /
/ ^
-/ ?
'
^ \
I
—\
^ \
\ \
1 /
Ns /
J
\ \
\ \
_—
J
s
o
T
a
i
24
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
FIGURE 6-7
COMPARISON OF 1975 PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS
AT BIG ISLAND WITH MODELED RESULTS
MODEL — —
(MILE 115)
US GS ¦
(MILE 116.4)
GL'M
SSHILl
-------
experienced by downstream users, as measured in the Colorado River at
Imperial Dam.
Future Salinity in the Green River
All of the five conditions listed above are predicted by the model to
reduce salinity loadings in the Green River. C) As shown on Figure 6-8,
the Big Sandy diversion produces a 25 percent decrease in TDS loadings,
while the Fontenelle diversion produces approximately a 10 percent decrease.
A 5 percent decrease in salinity loads is predicted under the coal and
energy export scenarios.
The predicted impact of future conditions on the salinity concentrations is
illustrated on Figure 6-9. Surprisingly, future industrial depletions in
the study area are predicted to have a small effect on TDS concentrations
at the Green River modeling point. The increase in the maximum TDS concen-
tration under the energy export scenario is 5 percent over the maximum
simulated 1975 value. The increase is less under the coal export scenario.
The reason for the insignificant increase under both the energy export and
coal export scenarios is that the largest projected industrial depletions
from the Green River are located in the stretch between Big Sandy River and
the modeling point just below Bitter Creek (see Figures 6-3 and 6-4). This
stretch has the highest TDS concentrations of any Green River stretch in
the area. Therefore, industrial depletions from this stretch would not
cause a concentration of the salt load in the study area. As shown later,
however, it will cause a concentration of the salt load in the Colorado
River.
The diversions from Big Sandy River and Fontenelle Reservoir are predicted
by the model to have much greater impacts on TDS concentrations within the
study area. The salinity concentrations in Big Sandy River are generally
higher than those in the Green River below Bitter Creek. Therefore, as
shown on Figure 6-9, diversion of the Big Sandy River would significantly
decrease TDS concentrations in the Green River, particularly during the
periods of highest TDS concentrations in the Green River. The diversion of
Big Sandy is predicted to result in a 43 percent decrease in the maximum
TDS concentrations from the simulated maximum 1975 levels.
The diversion from Fontenelle Reservoir is the converse to a diversion from
Big Sandy River. Salinity concentrations in the Green River at Fontenelle
Reservoir are lower than those in the Green River below Bitter Creek.
Therefore, as shown on Figure 6-9, a diversion at Fontenelle Reservoir has
(1) All results are based on the apparent present situation where water
diverted by industry and ponded in holding or evaporation basins does
not return to the Green River through the ground water system. As
discussed earlier, existing industrial ponds are apparently not in the
recharge areas to surface waters. If future industrial ponds are
constructed in ground water recharge areas, however, ground water may
carry significant TDS loads back to the surface waters. In this case,
the model would greatly underestimate the impact of energy development
on salinity.
6-17
-------
2500
2000
1 500
1000
500
0 IVER SI ON
OF BIG
SANDY RIVER
DIVERSION
AT
FONTENELLE
L
1 975
COAL ENERGY
EXPORT EXPORT
SCENARIO . SCENARIO
FIGURE 6-8
FUTURE TDS LOADS
IN THE GREEN RIVER
-------
600
N
O
s
2
a
<
q:
H
Z
LU
U
2
O
u
U)
Q
500
400
300
200
1 00
MAY
JUN JUL AUG SEP
1975 SIMULATED CONDITIONS
ENERGY EXPORT SCENARIO
BIG SANDY DIVERSION
FONTENELLE DIVERSION
OCT
FIGURE 6-9
FUTURE TDS CONCENTRATIONS
IN THE GREEN RIVER
1CH2M!
SSHILL
-------
the effect of concentrating the salt load in the downstream reaches of the
Green River. The greatest changes in TDS concentrations are predicted to
occur during the relatively low-flow period in autumn, when TDS concentra-
tions are at or near their annual maxima.
Sulfate was also modeled because of its health-related impacts in the Rock
Springs-Green River area and because of its economic impacts to industries.
The results are presented on Figure 6-10. As was found with TDS concentra-
tions, depletions under the energy export and coal export scenarios are
predicted to have little effect on sulfate concentrations in the Green
River below Bitter Creek. However, diversion of Big Sandy River is pre-
dicted to decrease the sulfate concentration by 57 percent from the maximum
concentration in the 1975 simulation run. By contrast, the Fontenelle
diversion is predicted by the model to increase sulfate concentrations
above the criterion for public water supplies (250 mg/l) .
Future Salinity in the Colorado River at Imperial Dam
As indicated in Chapter small changes in salinity concentrations in the
lower Colorado River can have major economic consequences for water users.
Actions in the study area which result in a change of the salinity load or
flow in the Green River will affect salinity concentrations in the lower
Colorado River. This section addresses the salinity impacts at Imperial
Dam caused by four future conditions in the study area.
The numbers in this section should be taken with "a grain of salt" because
of the assumptions that had to be made in order to calculate them. More
accurate estimates of salinity impacts during a certain year or period of
years can be obtained through the use of a Colorado River Basin salinity
model which will include such important factors as routing, flow and salin-
ity losses due to seepage, and others.
The estimated changes in mean salinity concentrations at Imperial Dam are
presented on Table 6-4. Given the fact that the mean salinity concentration
at Imperial Dam is already 762 mg/l, the changes in salinity appear rela-
tively small. However, as noted in the next section, these relatively
small changes have important economic consequences for water users.
Cost Impacts of Salinity Changes
The estimated economic impacts of future conditions are illustrated on
Table 6-4. The estimation of costs has been based on information presented
in Chapter 4. The analysis shows that either diversion scheme will have
major economic consequences on water users both within the study area and
downstream from it. The economic impacts under the coal export scenario
are predicted to be relatively small, while those under the energy export
scenario are small for users in the study area, but large for those down-
stream.
6-20
-------
250
200
J
\
o
z
(/)
z
o
<
-------
Table 6-4
IMPACT OF FUTURE CONDITIONS ON WATER QUALITY AND COSTS
At Imperial Dam
In Lower Green River Reach
Condition
Change in Mean Change in Cost to Change in Mean
Salinity Concentration Downstream Users Salinity Concentration
to
NJ
Year 2000, Coal
Export Scenario
Year 2000, Energy
Export Scenario
Year 2000, Big Sandy
Diversion and Energy
Export Scenario
Year 2000, Fontenelle
Diversion and Energy
Export Scenario
wrr
0
+5
+7
($x106/yr)
0
+2.2
-1.7
+3.0
(mg/l)
+3
+9
-88
+35
Change in Cost to
Downstream Users
($xT0E7yr)
+0.3
-4.0
+ 1.5
Total Chang
in Cost
($x106/yrj
+2.5
-5.7
+4.5
-------
FUTURE PHOSPHORUS AND ALGAE LEVELS
Figure 6-11 shows the predicted phosphorus loads in the Green River below
Bitter Creek under present conditions and seven different scenarios of
future conditions. Large increases in phosphorus loads are predicted under
both the coat export and energy export scenarios unless point source controls
on phosphorus are instituted. The reason for these increases is the large
population growth and increased wastewater loadings associated with the
energy development. With point source controls, the phosphorus loads can
be brought back to approximately existing levels.
Figure 6-11 also shows that diversions can reduce phosphours loads from
their predicted levels in year 2000. Diversion of Bitter Creek would
result in a 52 percent reduction in the phosphorus load within the framework
of the energy export scenario. The load reduction by diversion of Bitter
Creek would be equal to that obtainable by phosphorus control of point
sources. This option to point source control may be economically and
technologically feasible. However, it may face legal and political impasses
at this time.
The effects on the reservoir of the higher phosphorus loadings are indicated
on Figure 6-12 for the coal export scenario and on Figure 6-13 for the
energy export scenario. These figures show the predicted average concentra-
tion in year 2000 over the entire reservoir at a depth of 10 feet. The
simulated 1975 results are valuable for comparison to the predictions.
As shown on the two figures, peak phosphorus concentrations in the reservoir
are shown to increase under both scenarios. The increase in the maximum
concentration is 11 percent under the coal export scenario and 20 percent
under the energy export scenario. According to the simulation runs, the
phosphorus increases will cause the algal concentrations during the severest
bloom to increase by 14 percent under the coal export scenario and by
21 percent under the energy export scenario. Algal concentrations are
predicted to increase by even larger percentages during smaller blooms in
May and June under both scenarios.
The two figures also show that point source controls on phosphorus can
lower phosphorus concentrations predicted in the reservoir for year 2000
down to approximately the existing (1975) levels. However, the existing
conditions in the reservoir are not considered desirable for recreational
use. Therefore, point source controls alone probably cannot produce desir-
able conditions in the reservoir.
This important conclusion is further illustrated on Figure 6-14, Informa-
tion presented on the previous two figures has been used to construct a
graph of phosphorus loading to the reservoir versus peak phosphorus concen-
tration in the reservoir. In addition, the relationship between phosphorus
concentrations and clarity depicted on Figure 2-5 has been incorporated
into the figure. The resulting graph shows the predicted clarity during
the worst algal bloom (simultaneous with the peak phosphorus concentration)
for the different future conditions.
6-23
-------
0. 8
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or
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<
o
_J
m
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or.
o
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O
r
£L
0.6
0.4
0.2
1975
SIMULATED
CONDITIONS
COAL EXPORT
YEARA 2000
ENERGY
EXPORT
A
YEAR 2000
w/o
POINT
SOURCE
CONTROLS
W/
POINT
SOURCE
W/O
POINT
SOURCE
CONTROLS CONTROLS
W/ BIG
POINT SANDY
SOURCE RIVER
CONTROLS DIVERSION
BITTER
CREEK
DIVERSION
FONTENELLE
DIVERSION
FIGURE 6-11
FUTURE PHOSPHORUS LOADS
IN THE 6REEH RIVER
CH2M
"¦HILL
-------
SIMULATED
YEAR 2000
YEAR 2000
1975 CONDITIONS
WITHOUT POINT SOURCE CONTROLS
WITH POINT SOURCE CONTROLS
100
90
80
W
<
J
\
o
a.
w
D
a.
o
r
a
o
X
CL
70
60
SO
40
30
20
10-
/
m
j/M
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
FIGURE 6-12
AVERAGE PHOSPHORUS
CONCENTRATIONS IN
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
UNDER THE
COAL EXPORT SCENARIO
-------
SIMULATED
YEAR 2000
YEAR 2000
1975 CONDITIONS
WITHOUT POINT SOURCE CONTROLS
WITH POINT SOURCE CONTROLS
in
<
v.
u
a
D
CE
Q
r
a.
in
0
1
cl
1 00
90
~ 80
70
60
50
30
20
1 0
K
/
//fe
—GT
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
FIGURE 6-13
AVERAGE PHOSPHORUS
CONCENTRATIONS IN
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
UNDER THE
ENERGY EXPORT SCENARIO
CH2M
¦¦ HILL j
-------
100
N
o
3.
Z
o
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z
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a
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a
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a
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a
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ixi
a
90
80
70
60
0 . 0
ENERGY
• EXPORT
COAL EXPORT
I
/
PRESENT MODELED CONDITION
/
• ENERGY EXPORT CONTROL
'COAL EXPORT CONTROL
1 8
if)
u
r
L>
z
>-
h-
-i a &
2 0
-I
u
24
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
PHOSPHORUS LOADING (TONS/DAY)
29
0 . 5
FIGURE 6-14
PREDICTED CHANGES IN CLARITY
FOR FUTURE CONDITIONS
1CH2M!
i SSHILL!
-------
None of the future conditions, including those with point source controls,
is predicted to significantly affect the clarity of the water during the
worst algal bloom. For example, point source controls are estimated to
increase clarity by only 1 to 2 inches during the most severe bloom.
Therefore, point source controls are predicted to produce no significant
aesthetic improvements in the reservoir. If instituted without controls on
erosion and other phosphorus sources, their only possible benefit might be
some immeasurable slowing in the rate at which eutrophication is spreading
downstream in the reservoir.
CHANCES IN OTHER POLLUTANTS
Fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen were identified in Chapter 3 as wide-
spread water quality problems. Sources were identified for these pollutants
in Chapter 5. Loadings from some of these sources may increase in the
future.
A major source of fecal coliform in the study area is effluent from point
sources. Population increases in Rock Springs, Creen River, and Kemmerer-
Diamondville will increase fecal coliform loadings in the municipal waste-
water treatment plant effluents unless disinfection is added to the existing
treatment processes. Therefore, fecal coliform problems may become more
severe in the streams below these areas.
Two major sources of dissolved oxygen problems are municipal treatment
plant effluents and biodecay. As with fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen
depletion may become increasingly severe in the lower reaches of the Creen
River and Hams Fork because of greater point source loadings from the Rock
Springs-Green River area and the Kemmerer-Diamondville area. Point sources
may also encourage more severe dissolved oxygen depletion by delivering
greater loadings of phosphorus to the streams and reservoirs. These greater
phosphorus loadings can promote increased algal growth and decay. As noted
in Chapter 5, this decay may already be an important cause of oxygen deple-
tion in the Snake River and Green River just above the reservoirs.
SUMMARY OF FUTURE WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
The major reason why Southwestern Wyoming received funds for a water quality
management plan was the potentially serious impacts of energy development
on the water resources in the area. Coal, oil and gas, oil shale, uranium,
trona— all these valuable resources are present in great quantities in
Sweetwater, Lincoln, and Uinta Counties. Development of these resources
may affect water quality. The primary impacts on surface water and ground
water quality of recovering these mineral resources appear relatively
slight because of the location of the proposed mining. However, as described
in this chapter, the secondary impacts may be severe. A summary of the
relative importance of secondary impacts under the different conditions is
presented on Table 6-5,
The conclusions in this chapter are based on the water diversion and deple-
tion scenarios shown on Figures 6-2 through 6-4 and the population projec-
tions listed on Table 6-1. It must be emphasized that different scenarios
6-28
-------
Table 6-5
FUTURE WATER QUALITY IMPACTS
Future TDS in the
Condition Green River
Coal Export Scenario 0
Energy Export Scenario 0
Big Sandy Diversion +2
Fontenelle Diversion -2
Bitter Creek Diversion
Point Source Controls 0
KEY
+2 Major positive impact
+1 Some positive impact
0 No important impact
-1 Some negative impact
~2 Major negative impact
TDS
Downstream
0
-1
+2
-2
0
Sulfate in
the Creen River
0
0
+2
-2
0
Eutrophication in
Flaming Gorge
-1
+1
+1
-------
and projections may produce different conclusions about future water quality
impacts.
Salinity impacts have been estimated for water users in the study area as
well as downstream. Surprisingly, insignificant increases in salinity
concentrations within the study area are predicted under both the coal
export and the energy export scenarios. However, the energy export scenario
is predicted to cause a small, but economically important increase in
salinity concentrations in the lower Colorado River. The two diversion
conditions will cause important changes in salinity concentrations both
within the study area as well as downstream.
No major impacts have been assigned to any of the conditions in the case of
eutrophication, because severe algae blooms are expected to persist under
any of the conditions. The coal export and energy export scenarios may
increase the rate at which eutrophication is spreading downstream in
Flaming Gorge Reservoir by some indeterminable amount, while point source
controls and diversion of Bitter Creek may slow the rate. However, the
quantifiable impacts on phosphorus concentrations and water clarity appear
slight for all the conditions.
6-30
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Chapter 7
EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
A 208 Plan must include an institutional framework for implementing a water
quality management plan. The institutional framework identifies who will
carry out, manage, enforce, fund, and monitor the water quality controls.
In U.S. EPA's Guidelines for Area-wide Waste Treatment Management Planning
(August 1975), it is emphasized that management planning "... should be
conducted concurrently and in coordination with technical planning. Manage-
ment planning should identify water quality management problems and analyze
the capability of existing agencies and arrangements to carry out the
regulatory and management requirements of Section 208. Institutional
problems, lack of authority, or lack of financial capacity for meeting
Section 208 requirements should be identified."
This chapter describes the capabilities that agencies must have within the
context of 208 planning and identifies the agencies now present that have
those capabilities. This information is summarized on Table 7-1. This
table identifies six specific management capabilities or functions that are
required to implement a control program. Each management agency may be
responsible for one or more of these functions. The currently responsible
agencies are also identifed on Table 7-1 according to 10 different pollution
sources or pollution control areas. The table identifies only management
agencies. These agencies will call on technical specialists at certain
points to identify problems and develop solutions.
In specific cases, the lines of authority and responsibility may not be as
clearly defined as might be implied by the simplified listings on Table 7-1.
As an example, responsibility for regulation and control of individual
residential sewage is now being worked out between the State, DEQ and the
counties and cities. DEQ has offered this responsibility to the counties,
but the counties have generally turned down the offer because of lack of
funding needed to carry out the responsibility. In the case of urban
runoff, very little is Actually being done at the present time, and virtually
nothing is being done from a water quality standpoint. On the other hand,
there is much activity with regard to municipal sewage sources contributing
to stream salinity and sediments and water quantity management. Because
these sources or activities have traditionally been considered important,
they have the most clear cut definitions of responsibilities and authorities
at this time. A major function of 208 planning is to clarify the lines of
authority associated with water quality and to pull together the independent
activities of the various responsible agencies so that all are heading in
the same direction to accomplish the same basic purpose.
7-1
-------
EXISTING AGENCIES BY MANAGEMENT FUNc HONS AND POLLUTION SOURCES
Source Type or Activity
Municipal Sewage
Local CaveroftK-iU
and DEQ. SWWQPA
-------
The remainder of this chapter describes the various agencies now involved
directly or indirectly in water quality management in the Southwestern
Wyoming area. Local as well as State and Federal agencies are discussed.
Numerous other agencies, such as the State Highway Department and the State
Departments of Public Lands, Forestry, and Land Use Administration, are not
discussed in this chapter because they do not have nor are they expected to
have major roles in water quality management in the future. Some of these
agencies may be involved in water quality, but they are not expected to
have an important part in this particular plan.
AUTHORITIES AT LOCAL LEVEL
Local Government
Local government is defined here as including towns and cities, as well as
special districts and entities formed under joint powers agreements. These
agencies usually operate the wastewater collection and treatment facilities
for municipal sewage. The cities and towns are also responsible for urban
runoff.
Local governments have broad powers to act within their jurisdiction, but
usually rely on the State or Federal government to do broad planning and
such functions as setting water quality goals or effluent requirements.
The cities and towns can also act to require septic tank standards and
offer nonstructural controls.
Jurisdiction is not limited to the corporate boundary. For example, munici-
palities can have jurisdiction within 5 miles of the corporate limits for
enforcement of health or quarantine regulations, and within 1/2 mile for
all matters except taxation. This authority is granted under W.S. 15.1-171.
It allows municipalities to be involved in sewage system planning outside
its limits in order to better plan and manage how sewage collection is to
be done in the areas immediately surrounding the city and to better plan
for such concerns as treatment capacity. Rock Springs has already taken
this authority in its area.
County Government
Ordinances that regulate installation of individual waste disposal systems,
that regulate where and how certain development can take place, and that
establish special water and sewer districts are all part of county authority.
The county government can also establish needed funding for such activities
through fees or taxation.
The county government in a growing area plays a potentially strong role in
shaping the future because so much of the growth is likely to happen in
unincorporated areas subject to possible annexation later.
Joint Powers Boards
Wyoming statutes provide that municipalities, counties, special districts,
and other agencies can perform the same actions jointly that any one agency
7-3
-------
can do separately. Two municipalities, for example, could form a joint
powers board to build a sewage treatment plant or collection system. A
county and municipality could assume the same powers as a county and special
district or a municipality and special district. Through such joint powers
boards, facilities could be extended from a municipality to the surrounding
area, without the need for annexation.
The Wyoming Joint Powers Act is just now coming into use in the study area,
but more use is expected in the future. These provisions are a logical
combination with the extraterritorial jurisdiction powers available to
first class cities and provide extension of some of the extraterritorial
benefits to municipalities other than first class cities, even to unincorpo-
rated areas.
AUTHORITIES AT REGIONAL LEVEL
Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association
The Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA) is the
key regional agency. At this time the single purpose of SWWOPA is to
conduct the planning program to develop a 208 Plan. However, it can serve
in a capacity as a regional management agency in the future. In the absence
of SWWQPA, the Lincoln-Uinta Association of Governments could serve as the
regional water quality management agency for those two counties.
Colorado River Salinity Control Forum
The Colorado River Salinity Control Forum (CRSF) is an advisory group
composed of water resource and water quality representatives from the seven
Colorado River Basin States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New
Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. CRSF has provided the member states and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with information on salinity standards
and salinity control programs for the Colorado River Basin. While CRSF is
more of a research and technical assistance group than a managing agency,
it has developed management programs for other agencies.
AUTHORITIES AT STATE LEVEL
Department of Environmental Quality
According to information from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
and the State Attorney General's office, the Act enabling and establishing
Wyoming DEQ provides a very broad authority for this agency to act in
matters of water quality management and wastewater treatment. The Depart-
ment is associated with two citizen groups so that its proposed actions can
get popular review. The Wyoming Water Quality Advisory Board consists of
five members appointed by the Governor. The Board consists of one member
from industry, one from agriculture, one from political subdivision, and
two representing the public interest. The Environmental Quality Council is
a council of citizens who are appointed politically and who serve 4-year
terms. The Council and Board in association with DEQ can provide both the
broad base of popuiar citizen support as well as the already established
legal authority to act.
7-4
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Important activities for DEQ are operating the permit program under the
NPDES, administering the grant program for municipal treatment facilities,
maintaining facility operation, certifying treatment plant operators, and
developing the State's water quality standards. This agency also monitors
water quality conditions in the State and administers the public water
supply program. The Land Quality Division of DEQ reviews and approves mine
permit applications and monitors mine plans to ensure that they are properly
implemented.
Any procedure or regulation adopted by DEQ is subject to judicial review
and so is not necessarily final by a unilateral decision of DEQ. In the
enabling act there are savings clauses that exempt the activities of the
State Engineer from being within the authority of DEQ. These activities
include water quantity management, activities associated with wells for oil
and gas exploration, and activities associated with wells for minerals.
The authority of DEQ is not limited to point sources or surface streams.
The agency can also be responsible for nonpoint sources and ground water.
DEQ has jurisdiction over the entire State, and its enforcement actions can
be filed in either Laramie County or the county in which the problem arises.
Laramie County is usually used for filing actions, because the judges there
are familiar with the kinds of actions under DEQ's jurisdiction. If a city
or county were to bring action, it would be heard in a District Court,
unless the action was considered a misdemeanor (which has a fine less than
$100). All injunctions have District Court venue. The advantage to having
the State act in these matters is the State does not have to post bond to
bring injunctions, whereas private individuals do.
The State Engineer
The State Engineer is primarily responsible for water quantity management.
Questions concerning water rights and the distribution in time and space of
the surface waters of the State are the responsibility of the State Engineer.
The State Engineer also has authority to act in matters of water quality,
but apparently has not used the authority and is not likely to because of
the presence of DEQ. One possible water quality issue that may involve the
State Engineer concerns sediments and salinity, because the management and
control of water diversions can affect the impact of these constituents on
quality. Thus, management plans for sediments and salinity may include
action by the State Engineer. The State Engineer also would be involved in
at least an advisory capacity in interstate salinity compacts, which may
have the effect of restricting Wyoming's full development of compact water.
The State Engineer has responsibility over the development of ground water.
However, the State Department of Health and Social Services is involved in
regulation of ground water quality for domestic or public water supplies,
and the State Land Commission is involved in reclamation.
7-5
-------
Department of Agriculture
One of the prime activities of the State Department of Agriculture (SDA) is
to work with individual farmers through the local conservation districts.
Within the Southwestern Wyoming 208 planning area, there are four local
conservation districts and parts of two others. Districts 3 and 7 are
located in Lincoln County; District 35 is primarily in Uinta County;
District 45 is primarily in Sweetwater County; and portions of Districts 7,
16, and 39 are also in Sweetwater County. Districts 3, 7, 35, and 45 are
all within the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Area 5. The
conservation districts are considered to be an arm of State government and
are operated through the State Conservation Commission as part of SDA.
At the present time the main function of these districts is to carry out a
district-wide conservation program directed at solving soil, water, and
related resources questions. Districts utilize cooperative agreements with
individual land users and units of government to provide technical assist-
ance for conservation planning and application on individual land holdings.
The agreements are voluntary; the land user agrees to plan, apply, and
maintain appropriate conservation treatment measures with the technical
assistance of the districts.
People interviewed from the districts and from SDA feel that the cooperative
agreement vehicle is most appropriate for regulation of both discharges
from agricultural lands as well as rural runoff from the smaller communities
in these rural areas. However, it is possible to make the cooperative
agreement a mandatory requirement rather than a voluntary act. The local
districts could play a major role in implementing such a plan.
State Conservation Commission
The Wyoming State Conservation Commission (WCC) assists and guides the six
local conservation districts (LCD) located within the study area. WCC is
the State agency designated by the Governor to review and approve small
watershed projects and RC&D project applications and plans. WCC sets
priorities and direction for Soil Conservation Service activities on small
watershed projects, and can accelerate work on these projects by employing
consultants. As a complement to these responsibilities, WCC has recently
been designated as the State agency responsible for the management of non-
point source pollution resulting from agricultural activities.
The Interdepartmental Water Conference
In 1973 the State Legislature passed a law formalizing and providing for
guidance of the Interdepartmental Water Conference (IDWC) in the planning
of water and related land resources. This law also provides guidance for
adoption and approval of water and related land resources plans. Members
of the IDWC are the Governor, the State Engineer (who serves as the chair-
man), the Attorney General's office, the State Department of Agriculture,
the Department of Economic Planning and Development, the Department of
Environmental Quality, the Came and Fish Commission, the Geological Survey
of Wyoming, the Wyoming Highway Department, the Wyoming Recreation Commis-
7-6
-------
sion, the Agricultural Extension Service of the University of Wyoming, the
Director of the Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute, and the State
Land Commission. Most of these agencies, if not all, will play important
roles in carrying out water quality management under Section 208. As a
result, the IDWC could be a very effective focal point at the State level
for providing some 208 or related functions, especially as a coordinating
agency.
Department of Economic Planning and Development
The Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPAD) influ-
ences water quality by planning for and directing the development of water
resources, industry, and mining in the State. DEPAD evaluates the engi-
neering and economic feasibility of water resources development projects,
and makes recommendations to the Wyoming Farm Loan Board for approval of
loans not to exceed $150,000. It prepares plans and specifications for
industrial development and attracts new industry to the State. Finally, it
prepares State legislation pertaining to the mineral resources of the
State.
Industrial Siting Council
Facilities that fall under the Plant Siting Act of Wyoming include synthetic
fuel conversion plants, such as those for oil shale or coal gasification.
Other types of facilities involved are electrical generating facilities,
yellowcake refining, and, in general, any plant costing more than $50 million
to build. One requirement for plant siting is to consider water quality
effects of the construction. DEQ can recommend certain water quality
conditions be included in the industrial siting permit, but the State
Engineer's final opinion is binding on the Industrial Siting Council for
the purposes of issuing an industrial siting permit. The administration of
the Plant Siting Act takes place through the Office of Industrial Siting
Administration.
The Plant Siting Act can be effective only on new sites, not on pre-existing
facilities. Pre-existing facilities do have to file annual reports on
their 5-year plans for growth and development, however. These reports are
required to be kept confidential by the Plant Siting Council and can only
be released with the permission of the applicant. The information from
these 5-year planning reports is therefore not available to this study
without specific industry permission.
Recreation Commission
The Wyoming Recreation Commission (WRC) administers Big Sandy Recreation
Area. It also administers the Land and Water Conservation Fund through
which financial assistance is provided to tax-based legal entities for the
development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities.
7-7
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AUTHORITIES AT FEDERAL LEVEL
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants funds to carry out
203 planning as well as treatment facility planning, design, and construc-
tion for municipal types of operations. The role of EPA in the control of
other pollution source types can be quite inclusive and is generally carried
out through permit type programs such as those in effect for industrial and
municipal discharges and those being considered for agricultural discharges.
EPA is, at the Federal level, most important to water quality planning and
management as a catalyst to get other Federal, State and local agencies
involved and acting.
Farmers Home Administration
Programs of the Farmers Home Administration (FMHA) have traditionally been
oriented toward the rural portions of America. They provide credit for
specific types of farmers who cannot get the financing they need at reason-
able rates and terms elsewhere. The objective of the loans is to encourage
and facilitate the improvement, protection, and proper use of farmland.
Soil Conservation Service
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
has traditionally played a role of providing technical assistance to land
users in carrying out locally adopted soil and water conservation programs.
SCS works through local conservation districts to provide planning and
application assistance for implementing programs, as for example under the
cooperative agreements mentioned earlier.
Funds are available on a cost-share basis for watershed protection, flood
prevention, erosion control, and public water-based recreation. Funds are
authorized under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Act (PL-566) and the
Resource Conservation and Development Program.
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
The Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) of the
United States Department of Agriculture seeks to improve or protect the
soil and to provide for the conservation or safe disposal of water. These
goals are accomplished by farmers and ranchers with financial assistance
from ASCS and technical assistance from SCS and the Forest Service. Emphasis
is given to enduring practices needed to solve serious problems, as identi-
fied by county committees.
Forest Service
Perhaps the most important function of the Forest Service within the study
area is the administration of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
It administers this land under the multiple use concept to provide timber,
forage, recreation, wildlife habitat, and watershed protection.
7-8
-------
There are very little forest and timber activities within the planning
area . Most of these activities are now on publ ic lands. The Forest Service
is responsible for administering good conservation practices related to
timber operations. DEQ, by monitoring water quality, determine when there
are impacts from timber activities on water quality. These should be
addressed by the Forest Service on National Forest lands and by the Wyoming
State Forester on non-federal forested lands.
The Forest Service is now carrying out a barometer watershed project in the
drainages of Gilbert Creek, East Fork, and Smiths Fork to extensively
monitor a watershed prior to any lumbering activity so that when harvests
are carried out the impacts can be compared with a baseline condition.
This information will be useful for predicting impacts of future lumbering
activities in similar areas.
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages all of the National Resource
Lands in the study area. It is responsible for the proper management of
these lands, which includes consideration of water quality impacts as well
as soil conservation and other features. The Bureau establishes regulations
and issues use authorizations (licenses, permits, grants, leases, etc.) to
National Resource Land users, it also constructs and maintains improvements
and facilities on the National Resource Lands.
Bureau of Reclamation
The development of water resources for use in irrigation and other activ-
ities is the primary responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation. Some of
the Bureau's projects within the study area are the Lyman project, the
Seedskadee project, the Flaming Gorge project, the Eden project, and the
Sublette and Big Sandy investigations. Fontenelle Reservoir is part of the
Seedskadee project. Thus, the impact of Bureau of Reclamation activities
may be widespread in terms of both existing and future water quality situa-
tions.
A new program of the Bureau of Reclamation is management of recreational
facilities at various reservoirs in the area. Fontenelle Reservoir was the
Bureau's first attempt in the nation to implement the new program. This
activity started H years ago when the National Park Service wanted to drop
its responsibility at Fontenelle. Bureau personnel expect the program to
expand.
Youth Conservation Corps camps are to be part of this recreation program,
and activities at these camps could be directed toward streamside management.
In addition, the Bureau has the potential as a public education tool through
installation of interpretative centers at the various recreational sites
that it manages.
United States Geological Survey
The primary role of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) is to collect
and file data. The Conservation Division sets standards for oil and gas
7-9
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activities which include water quality considerations. Generally, however,
this agency does not promulgate or enforce standards nor does it take on
responsibility for any management or abatement actions relating to water
quality. It does perform surveys and studies of water quality and quantity
situations, presumably at the request and direction of appropriate Federal
or State agencies.
Corps of Engineers
The Corps is mainly involved in flood control projects, but may also be
concerned with streambank salinity problems. Indirectly, then, its activ-
ities can relate to water quality issues.
The Corps is responsible for Section 404 of PL 92-500. This section calls
for dredge and fill permits, v/hich are administered by the Corps. Thus,
anyone seeking to change stream courses must go through the Corps of Engi-
neers for a permit. These permits may also apply to various agricultural
activities. DEQ must certify "404" permits in the state of Wyoming. The
new amendements to PL 92-500 allow DEQ to assume the dredge-and-fill
program, so it is unclear if this program will be under the Corps or DEQ in
the future.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES REQUIRED OF MANAGEMENT AGENCIES UNDER 208 0)
The management plan must develop a management system capable of implementing
the areawide 208 Plan. The management system requires the following basic
capabilities in order to be feasible, reliable, and implementable:
¦ Adequate legal authority to carry out the actions required
H Institutional capability based on a practicable, effective, and
coordinated institutional structure
H Financial capabilities appropriate to the water quality needs and
the specific plans produced in the technical section of the 208
study
These capabilities rest on certain authorities. The specific authorities
required are dependent upon the particular role carried out by a specific
agency, but in general a list of required authorities can be completed that
relate to 203-type activities. This list of 31 types of authority is given
on Table 7-2 according to the six major functions identified earlier for
implementing a 208 Plan. These authorities are required by Section 208(b) (2)
and 208(c) (2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972
(PL 92-500) . Other sections of the same act may also call for the same
authority or functions.
(1) information pertaining to required legal authorities was drawn from
material prepared by Linton and Company, Inc., for the Toledo, Ohio,
area 208 program.
7-10
-------
Table 7-2
AUTHORITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM 208 MANACEMENT FUNCTIONS
, Plan
Finance
Administer,
Ov«rs«e
Activities
Regulate,
Enforce,
Monitor
Construct,
Enact
i
Oo«rate
l Spend money to construct
i
i
and manage treatment
,
plants
x
X
X
X
i
1 Contract work toothers
X
X
X
X
* i
' 1
X
3.
Employ people
X
1 x
X
1
X
I *
X
4.
Insure facilities
}
'
j
1 *
X
5.
Acquire, hold, or dis-
pose of real property
i
1
1
J
1
1 X
1 X
!
5.
Engage in research
X
1
X
1 - -
i X
[
X
—1
Receive or accept money
X
X
X
i
1
X
X
X
J
3 Make loans or grants
*
X
9.
Contract with State or
Federal agencies
x
x
X
X
to.
Assess users for treat-
ment costs
X
X
*
X
n _ Enter industrial cost
recovery contract
X
x
.
X
)
i
12.
Reass'gn unused industrial
discharge rights
*
: *
13.
Monitor treatment
operations
X
X
X
¦¦ 1
1*.
Issiie general
obligation bonds
1 x !
I * f
i '
15.
issue revenue bonds
j X
;
?&.
Issue anticipatory bonds
!
1
17,
Issue anticipatory notes
|
1
ia.
Invest money elswhere
1 *
X
1
19.
Contract for private
financing
*
X
X
i
1
20
Require local agencies or
industries to participate
|
! x
X
X
21 ¦
Charge participants
x
V
*
X
! !
22.
Refuse service non-compliance
with pian
1
X
!
1 i
x 1 1 !
23-
Disallow expansion for
plan non-compliance
1
1
X
„ ! ! i
.. —
2»-
Impose other sanctions for
plan non-compliance
* !
i
X
X
X
25.
Refuse industrial wastes
not meeting requirements
X
1 *
1 1
26 -
Condemn land for public use
!
* ! I
27.
Develop and/or impose land
use controfs
X
* ! i
28.
Promulgate pretreatment
and effluent standards
X
.
X
X
X
29.
Issue permits, as a pre-
condition to treatment
!
X
X |
30.
Enforce rules, punish
violators
X
X
X
X !
31-
Engage jn pianning beyond
land use
X
X
i i
i 1
7-11
-------
in addition to the six major functions and associated required authorities,
management agencies should also be set up for particular roles in terms of
(1) their geographical jurisdiction or the means to acquire such jurisdic-
tion over applicable portions of the waste treatment management area and
(2) their accountability to the electorate. All these factors are important
in evaluating the feasibility of a proposed management structure for imple-
menting a 208 plan.
Table 7-3 indicates what legal authorities are associated with the agencies
mentioned earlier.
CONCLUSIONS
Numerous agencies are involved with all aspects of water quality management,
though not necessarily in a coherent way. Sufficient agency coverage may
well exist, then, to implement the various actions this 208 plan will call
for. Specific agency assignments for specific control actions will be dis-
cussed in Chapters 8, 9, and 10. Chapter 11 gives the same information for
the recommended plan.
7-12
-------
AGENCY AUTHORITIES
federal
S?ENO MONEY TO CONSTRUCT
AND MANAGE TREATMENT
plants
< ! t I y
a. * I g">
"I"
I o ' 03
i—r
CONTRACT *ORK TQ OTHERS
EMPLOY PEOPLE
INSURE facilities
REluIRE OR HClO PROPERTY i
ENGAGE IN RESEARCH
RECEIVE OR ACCEPT MONEY
MAKE LOANS OR GRANTS
contract *ith state or
FEDERAL agencies
assess jSERS ?or treat-
ment COSTS
ENTER INDUSTRIAL COST
RECOVERY CONTACT
12.
REASSIGN 'JNUScO IN0USTRIAL|
OISChARGE RIGHTS
13.
14.
MONITOR TREATMENT
OPERATIONS
,
• »
» • »
1
x a. i ts>
CD Z i U. > Z>
•) • «
• I 9 , •
? |
*'¦•!?
? j ?! ?! ?
? I
? i ? ? j ?
i i
I5S'JE GENERAL
03LIGATICN BONOS
15. ISSUE REVENUE BONOS
16. ISSUE ANTICIPATORY BONDS
ISSUE ANTICIPATORY NOTES
16. INVEST MONEY ELSEWHERE j ?
?
7
j—,—,—
7! 1 ?l 'i '
I
7
.
'\ 9. CONTRACT fcr PRIVATE j
FINANCING !
1
1
"jo. REQUIRE LOCAL agencies or i . . i
INDUSTRIES TO PARTICIPATE I * I I *
1 i
• •
I ;
• •
1 I
21. CHARGE PARTICIPANTS ! • j » j #
• j • ! •; t : •: • I
22. REFUSE SERVICE FOR PLAN
NQN-COMPLIANCE
III!!:!
I I 1 ! ; i ! ! 1
23. D1SALL0* EXPANSION POP
PLAN NON-COMPLIANCE
1
1
1
?! h i
24. IMPOSE OTHER SANCTIONS FOR
plan non-compliance
•
?
I i
? j 7 j 7
7
7
25. REFUSE INDUSTRIAL WASTES
NOT MEETING REQUIREMENTS
i •! I
' I
2s. condemn lano for public ustf
i i ?
27. DEVELOP ANO/CR IMPOSE LAND
USE CONTROLS j
•
I i *!
•
•
28. PROMULGATE PRETREATMENT
AND EFFLUENT STANDARDS
•
j
•
2S. ISSUE PERMITS AS A PRE-
CONDITION TO TREATMENT
•
I 7
30. ENFORCE RULES, PUNISH
VIOLATORS
'I
•
•
1 '
•
• ! |
i
31. ENGAGE IN PLANNING BEYOND
LANO USE
1
'I ?
•
•
i
•1 *
7
~ i •
! i
(1) ALL AGENC Y A89*EVlAT10NS ARC IDENTIFIED ON TABLE 7-1,
EXCEPT FOR IOWC < INTERDEPARTMENTAL WATER CONFERENCE)
AND CRSF ( COLORADO RIVER SALINITY CONTROL FORUM),
(2) !NCLUO€S JOINT POWER 30AR0S.
AGENCIES {1}
1 ? I
J 1
STATc
a f o 1
uj ; aj ; lu
o 1 a i/i
o j o ) o
I i
f \ •
0 ; • I ? I I
C. : u.
*
(
OTHER
1 i
"
U)
„ J
: 1
i 1 <
~ V0|
X
¦si
! 1
l/l W
in
t a
Z
•
• ,
1 ' '
j •
•
?
0
0 '
i ' 0
0
0
0
0
1 1 r
i ! • !
? !
' •
7 !
; 7 1
i •
i i
• i ? i
i ! i
LEGEND
• AUTHORITY EXPRESSED
0 AUTHORITY JMPLJEC
7 AUTHORITY UNKNOWN
BLANK NO authority
7-13
-------
Chapter 8
CONTROLS FOR SALINITY
The overall direction of this technical report is (1) the identification of
water quality problems and problem constituents, (2) the identification of
contaminant sources, and (3) the development of management plans to control
those sources. The first step was completed in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
The most important conclusions arrived at in those two chapters with respect
to salinity were:
* The level of total dissolved solids in the Green River from Big
Sandy River to Flaming Gorge Reservoir has important economic
consequences for industry
¦ The chloride, sulfate, and total dissolved solids criteria for
livestock and wildlife watering are exceeded in Killpecker Creek
¦ The sulfate criterion for livestock and wildlife watering is
exceeded in Upper Bitter Creek
¦ The sulfate criterion for public water supplies is exceeded in
the Green River reach, in Flaming Gorge Reservoir, in the Lyman
reach of the Blacks Fork, and in the Lower Hams Fork reach
¦ The level of total dissolved solids in the Green River reach has
important economic consequences for public water supply users
¦ Practices in the study area which change salinity loads or concen-
trations in the Green River system have important economic conse-
quences for water users on the Lower Colorado River
The second step, the identification of existing and future salinity sources,
was completed in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6. Existing sources of salinity
were identified in Chapter 5, while the impacts of future diversions and
depletions were assessed in Chapter 6. The most important conclusions
arrived at in these two chapters with respect to salinity were:
* Large salinity loads are generated in the Bridger Valley and the
Big Sandy drainage
¦ Large loads are carried by the Green River into the study area
¦ Approximately half of the salinity load generated in the study
area is attributed to natural ground water discharges, while most
of the remaining salinity is delivered in irrigation return flows
¦ The contact zone (see Figure 5-17) is the geographic area where
surface and subsurface activities have had and will continue to
have the most impact on salinity
8-1
-------
¦ The contact zone passes through the Bridger Valiey and the Big
Sandy drainage
¦ The area of Mancos-type shales in the Bitter Creek drainage has
the potential to generate large salinity loadings if recharge
sources such as reservoirs or irrigation are provided.
¦ The coal export scenario predicts little change in salinity
concentrations within the study area or downstream, while the
energy export scenario predicts little change in salinity concen-
trations within the study area but a significant increase downstream
¦ Diversions from Fontenelie Reservoir and Big Sandy Reservoir will
significantly change salinity concentrations in the Green River
and downstream in the Colorado River
The final step is the development of a management plan to control salinity.
This chapter will describe nine management options that address the control
of salinity sources and the alleviation of salinity problems mentioned
above. Chapter 11 presents a combination of the nine options which represents
the salinity management plan recommended by the staff of the Southwestern
Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA) and its consultants.
The salinity management options are listed on Table 8-1 in the order in
which they appear in this chapter. The order is not meant to imply any
preference. A consistent format has been used in the presentation of each
option. The format includes a description of the control measure and the
problem towards which it is directed and, where appropriate, how effective
the option might be, its costs and benefits, who should carry it out, and
what its environmental and social impacts are.
Each option has been developed to address one or more of the salinity
problems listed on Table 3-8 and one or more of the salinity sources listed
on Table 5-16. The relationship between salinity problems, sources, and
management options is shown on Table 8-2.
8-2
-------
Table 8-1
SALINITY MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
1. The Big Sandy River Unit study.
2. Sprinkler irrigation in Bridger Valley.
3. Improvement of irrigation efficiencies in Bridger Valley
and Big Sandy area through better timing of irrigations.
4. Salinity control in Sublette County.
5. Interception of ground water in the Big Sandy recharge area.
6. No action.
7. Salinity standards.
8. Control of water resources development and drilling activities
in areas where salts can be mobilized.
9. Consideration of diversion and depletion impacts.
8-3
-------
Table 8 2
PRINCIPAL LXISTINC SALINITY SOURCES AND MANACFMINT OPTIONS
Constituent
Keacti with Water
Quality Problem
Source
Location
Industrial Water Supply Total Dissolved Solids Crecn River, Big Island Reach
to Green River Arm
Livestock mid Wildlife
Watering
Blacks Fork Arm
Middle Hams Fork
Chloride Killpecker Creek
Sulfate Upper Bitter Creek
Killpecker Creek
Total Dissolved Solids Killpecker Creek
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Outside study area
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Natural ground water discharges
Management Option
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Sublette County
Contact zone, bridger Valley
Contact zone. Bridger Valley
Bridger formation. Mams Fork
drainage
Natural ground water discharges
Mancos type shales, Killpecker
Creek drainage
Natural ground water discharges Mancos-type shales. Bitter
Creek drainage
Natural ground water discharges
Natural ground water discharges
Mancos-type shales. Killpecker
Creek drainage
Mancos-type shales, Killpecker
Creek drainage
1, 3, U, S, 6. 7, 8. 9
2, 3, 6, 7
6. 7, S
6, 1. 8
6, 7. 8
6, 7, 8
6, 1. 8
Public Witter Supply
Sulfate
Green River
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Lyn*an Reach-Blacks Fork
Lower Mams Fork
Total Dissolved Solids Green River
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Natural ground water discharges
Irrigation return flows
Natural ground water discharges
Outside study area
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
and Bridger Valley
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
and Bridger Valley
Contact zone, Bridger Valley
Contact zone. Bridger Valley
Bridger forrriation. Hams Fork
drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Contact zone. Big Sandy drainage
Sublette County
1. 3. 5, 6. 7, 8. 9
1, 2, 3. 5, fc, 7. 8, 9
2, 3, 6, 7
6, 7. 8
1, 3, 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
-------
OPTION 1
BIG SANDY RIVER UNIT STUDY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Big Sandy River Unit is one of the units to be studied under the Colorado
River Basin Salinity Control Program. The goal of this program is to
maintain 1972 salinity levels in the Lower Colorado River Basin. The Big
Sandy River delivers concentrated salinity loads to the Lower Basin by way
of the Green River.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Assistance programs, research projects, and demonstration projects are
presently being carried out in the area by the following agencies: Bureau
of Reclamation, Soil Conservation Service, Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Agriculture, Office of Water Resources Research, University
of Wyoming. The 208 Plan supports the efforts of these agencies because
many of the proposed salinity control measures are likely to have favorable
benefit-cost ratios not only for the Colorado River Basin, but also for the
study area.
The 208 Plan recommends that those salinity control options that pertain to
the Big Sandy area and that are included in the recommended plan in Chapter 11
be studied closely under the Colorado River Salinity Control Program.
These options include improved irrigation efficiencies, restricted drilling
near the contact zone between the Bridger and Wilkins Peak Formation, and
interception of ground water at Big Sandy Reservoir.
8-5
-------
OPTION 2
SPRINKLER IRRIGATION IN BRiDCER VALLEY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Salinity has been shown to be a costly water quality problem to water users
inside and outside the study area. Irrigation return flows are a major
contributor to the salinity loads generated within the study area. For
example, irrigation return flows from the Bridger Valley are estimated to
deliver 125,000 tons of salt per year to Blacks Fork. This loading is
equal to 38 percent of the total salinity load generated in the Blacks
Fork drainage basin.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The management action would involve a study of the feasibility of converting
irrigation in Bridger Valley from wild flooding to sprinklers. Bridger
Valley has been selected because salt loads from irrigation return flows
are estimated to be very large, and because little study has been made of
salinity controls in Bridger Valley.
The goal of the study should be a prediction of salinity reduction achievable
by a change in irrigation practice to sprinkler irrigation. Good information
is available on the costs and benefits to farmers of sprinkler irrigation
from the Wyoming Agricultural Extension Service and from experiences of
farmers in Star Valley, which is located in the study area along the Salt
River. However, data are not available for an accurate prediction of
salinity reduction from a conversion to sprinkler irrigation. Experiences
in Riverton and Star Valley indicate that efficiency of sprinkler irrigation
is greater than efficiency of wild flood irrigation and that salinity
reductions in irrigation return flows are likely.
Two types of studies may be initiated. The first would be a pilot project
in the Bridger Valley. The second would be a comparison of salinity loads
in the Salt River before and after irrigation was changed to sprinklers.
Salinity data exist before sprinkler irrigation, but salinity monitoring
was abandoned in the Salt River after sprinkler irrigation. Several years
of monitoring may indicate whether sprinkler irrigation has made any demon-
strable changes in salinity loads carried by the Salt River.
EXPECTED SALINITY REDUCTION
Rough estimates of salinity reductions achievable by conversion to sprinkler
irrigation in Bridger Valley are impressive. One reference (Wyoming Agricul-
tural Experiment Station, 1974) assumed a 75 percent irrigation efficiency
with sprinkler irrigation. The present irrigation efficiency at the
Eden-Farson project, where flood irrigation is used as in Bridger Valley,
is 33 percent. A second estimate of increased efficiencies with sprinkler
irrigation was made by comparing the amount of water applied to land in
1976 in the Eden-Farson area and in the Riverton area where sprinkler
irrigation is used. Approximately 25 percent less water was applied per
acre at Riverton than at Eden-Farson. This analysis of increased
8-6
-------
irrigation efficiencies is tenuous, and more effort should be made to do
on-site studies necessary to develop reliable estimates of water savings.
Salt load reductions can be calculated from the estimates of increased
efficiencies given above. If it is assumed that alfalfa crops in Bridger
Valley need 20 inches of water from irrigation, the amount of irrigation
water diverted but not used by the crop is decreased by 43-82 percent with
a conversion from wild flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation. The
diverted water which is not used by the crop is assumed to percolate through
the soil and rock and to pick up salts. According to the method used in
Chapter 5 to calculate salinity loads from irrigation return flows, a
43-82 percent reduction in percolating water would produce a 43-82 percent
reduction in the salt loads carried by irrigation return flows. For Bridger
Valley, this reduction translates to 55,000-103,000 fewer tons of salt per
year delivered by irrigation return flows. This loading reduction constitutes
a 17-31 percent reduction in salt loads carried by Blacks Fork to the
Colorado River system.
EXPECTED COST
The cost of the feasibility study is difficult to determine. A rough
estimate is $50,000 to $150,000.
The cost for conversion to sprinkler irrigation has been obtained from
"Economic Appraisal of Irrigation Systems for the Green River Basin, Wyoming."
The fixed costs for conversion are $12-27 per acre per year (in 1977 dollars)
and variable costs for conversion are $28-44 per acre per year. The total
annual cost for the Bridger Valley would be $2.6-4.7 million. These costs
are borne by the farmers unless State or Federal grants are involved.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Conversion to sprinklers is not likely to be a profitable venture for
farmers in Bridger Valley. The major benefit to farmers in Star Valley
from the conversion has been increased yields of crops to feed dairy herds.
At present, hay and alfalfa constitute most of the crops in Bridger Valley.
Increased yields of these crops in the Bridger Valley would produce rela-
tively small benefits because of their low market value. Therefore, unless
farmers in Bridger Valley convert to cash crops, they will realize few
benefits by converting from wild flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation.
One reference (Agricultural Experiment Station, 1974) estimated that the
alfalfa stand would have to yield 4.5 tons per acre before sprinkler irriga-
tion would become profitable for the farmer. Present alfalfa yields in the
Bridger Valley average 1.5 to 2 tons per acre.
Given the estimates of expected salinity reduction, the conversion would be
of great value to industry in the study area and to users of water from the
Lower Colorado River system. The benefits to industry in the study area
are estimated to range from $585,000 to $1,065,000 per year, with an average
annual benefit of $825,000. Benefits to users outside the study area are
estimated to range from $1.7 to $3.2 million per year, with an average
annual benefit of $2.5 million. The basis for making such estimates was
given in Chapter 4.
8-7
-------
This option may have several additional benefits which are difficult to
quantify. One type of benefit concerns water conservation. Water conserved
under this option could be used to alleviate late-season water shortages,
to supply other uses such as public water supplies, or to irrigate more
acres. In Bridger Valley, these benefits would probably be small compared
to those estimated above for industry and users outside the study area.
The Stateline Project has been designed and constructed to relieve most
late-season irrigation water shortages and supply enough water for domestic
users. Irrigation of more land, particularly in the contact zone through
Bridger Valley, would offset the benefits of salt loading reductions achiev-
able under this option.
A second possible benefit is the reduction in the number of failing septic
tanks. This benefit might result from a lower ground water table, which in
turn would be brought about by the water conservation practices called for
under this resolution. Like the benefits of water conservation itself,
however, the benefits of a lower ground water table are difficult to predict
and quantify.
The benefit-cost ratio for the study area is 0.12-0.41, if the two types of
benefits which are difficult to quantify are not included. The benefit-cost
ratio including benefits to those outside the study area is 0.49-1. 64.
Therefore, on the basis of quantifiable benefits and costs, this option is
not recommended to be taken up by the State unless additional benefits can
be gained by the farmers by a change from forage crops to cash crops. The
benefit-cost ratio at the basinwide level may be greater than one, and
therefore the option may be worthy of further study by the Colorado River
Salinity Control Forum.
WHO PAYS
If a feasibility study is initiated, it would probably be done under the
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project. Funding for the study
itself could come from the budget of the project. If a conversion to
sprinkler irrigation is determined to be feasible, the sprinkler systems
could be funded 75 percent by the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control
Project and 25 percent by local funds.
Several sources of funding are available at the local level. Water conserva-
tion districts are authorized to fix the price of water (WSA 41-91). The
districts could purchase the sprinkler systems and pay them off over time
through a charge for water from the Stateline Project. 5tate loans are
available through the issuance of bonds by the Farm Loan Board or through
the Revolving Funds of the Department of Economic Planning and Development.
Other sources of loans include the Federal Land Bank and the Farmers Home
Administration. Cost-sharing arrangements are available to farmers through
the Great Plains Conservation Program, handled by SCS, or through the Rural
Environmental Assistance Program and the Agricultural Conservation Projects
(ACP) Program, handled by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service. Culver funds (Amendment 208-J) may also become available, particu-
larly if this project receives designation as a Model Implementation Project.
8-8
-------
WHO ACTS
An unfavorable benefit-cost ratio in the study area has been calculated for
this management option. For the basin as a whole, it is unclear if the
option has a favorable or unfavorable ratio. One of two paths may be
taken. The option may be dropped, even though the benefit-cost determina-
tion is based on weak information. The alternative is to strengthen the
benefit-cost calculation by performing a feasibility study. If this option
is pursued, a feasibility analysis of conversion from forage to cash crops
in Bridger Valley should also be made. This conversion may affect sub-
stantial benefits to the farmers of Bridger Valley, who are the group
bearing the costs incurred under this option.
If a feasibility study is initiated, the authorization would probably come
from the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. Both State and
Federal agencies could be involved. The State agencies involved could
include the Department of Environmental Quality, the Agricultural Extension
Service, and the Water Resources Research Institute. Federal agencies
could include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Reclamation,
the Soil Conservation Service, and the Agricultural Research Service.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The proposed feasibility study would have no environmental and social
impacts. The actions recommended in the feasibility study may have some
impacts. These would be covered in the feasibility study. One possibly
severe social impact of this option is that sprinkler irrigation would
require full-time farming or the hiring of irrigators. At present, farming
is generally a part-time occupation in Bridger Valley.
8-9
-------
OPTION 3
IMPROVEMENT OF IRRIGATION EFFICIENCIES THROUGH
BETTER TIMING OF IRRIGATIONS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Irrigation return flows produce an estimated 37 percent of the total salt
load generated within the study area. Control of the loadings from irrigation
return flows can reduce salinity and reduce the costs associated with them.
At present, irrigation of land in the two largest salt producing areas,
Bridger Valley and the Eden-Farson area, is approximately equally spaced in
time, even though water requirements of a crop change considerably from
spring to summer to fall. This is a concern because when more water is
applied to the land than is lost through evapotranspiration, the excess can
percolate through the soil to come in contact with the saline formations so
prevalent in the two areas mentioned. The salts dissolve and leach to
surface waters. An excess of water during the early and late parts of the
season can raise instream salinity levels.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
One method for controlling these loadings is to continue to use flood
irrigation but to improve irrigation efficiencies on the farm. A higher
efficiency results in less water percolating through saline soils and
rocks. A management option to increase efficiencies on the farm is to
space irrigations in spring and fall at greater intervals and to apply less
water at these times of year in order to match water applied to the land
with the lower water requirements of crops in spring and fall.
The management option would be a voluntary action taken by the individual
farmers through conservation plans developed with the local conservation
district. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the Agricultural Research
Service (ARS) would assist the farmers in the determination of water require-
ments for crops. The Cooperative Extension Service could explain the
reasons for salinity control and the potential benefits and costs associated
with this management option.
Experts from the Agricultural Experiment Stations could also be available
to answer questions concerning irrigation efficiencies. More effort should
also be made by those at the Station and SCS to improve the distribution of
information from the experimental farms to the individual farmers and to
promote the conversion of successful experiments to practice on private
farms.
An excellent educational and research tool is the demonstration project.
As part of the action described here, SCS and the local conservation districts
should seek to establish at least one demonstration project in each area so
farmers can learn first hand what is involved. Implementing success for
conversion to sprinkler irrigation in Star Valley is largely attributed to
having some early projects for other farmers to see and learn from.
8-10
-------
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Figure 8-1 shows the irrigation efficiencies in 1963 on a 97.3-acre irrigated
pasture in the Eden-Farson area. Irrigation efficiencies were relatively
constant during the middle of the irrigation season, but significantly
lower at the start and the end. It is assumed that the efficiency at these
two times of year could be improved to 34 percent by better spacing of
irrigation. The improved efficiency would result in a 17 percent reduction
in water needs. According to the method used in Chapter 5 to calculate
salt loads in irrigation return flows, the 17 percent reduction in water
use would mean a 17 percent reduction in salt loads. The salt load reduction
in the Eden-Farson area would be 12,000 to 23,000 tons per year, depending
on which estimate is used of existing salt loads in irrigation flows from
that area. The estimated salt load reduction from the Bridger Valley would
be 22,000 tons per year.
Under this management option, the salinity concentrations at the station
designated Green River near Green River would be reduced 1.8-3.5 percent.
Salinity concentrations at the station designated Blacks Fork near Little
America would be reduced 6.7 percent.
EXPECTED COST
Almost all farmers in the Eden-Farson area and Bridger Valley have second
jobs off the farm; consequently, they would have to hire irrigators to open
and close gates while they are at work. It is estimated that approximately
20 to 40 irrigators would be required in the Eden-Farson area at an annual
cost to the farmers of $150,000 to $300,000; approximately 70 to 140 irri-
gators would be required in Bridger Valley at an annual cost of $550,000 to
$1,100,000. Costs will be incurred by SCS and the Cooperative Extension
Service because of the need for better dissemination of information and
supervision of irrigation practices. These costs would be in the form of
additional pamphlets and additional mandays spent in the field demonstrating
the management option and explaining the benefits. These costs are probably
negligible compared to the expense for irrigators, however.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Benefits from this management option are shown on Table 8-3. More benefits
occur outside the study area than within it; however, benefits within the
study area are substantial. Control of salinity in the Eden-Farson area
has greater benefits to users in the study area than control of salinity in
Bridger Valley. Those who benefit in the study area include industry and
domestic users of surface water.
The Rock Springs-Green River area could also benefit from the reduction of
sulfate concentrations in the Green River reach which may be attained under
this option. The salt load from the Big Sandy River is predominantly
sodium sulfate. Therefore, salinity control in the Big Sandy is also
likely to control sulfate and bring about a reduction in sulfate concentra-
tions downstream.
8-11
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IRRIGATION
FIGURE 8-1
IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY ON
A TEST PLOT IN THE EDEN-FARSON AREA
a L'M
-------
Table 8-3
BENEFITS FROM SALINITY REDUCTION BY IMPROVED IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY
Benefits (Annual)
00
i
User Croup
Control in Eden-Farson Area-
Industry
Domestic
Outside Study Area
Control in Bridger Valley—
Industry
Domestic
Outside Study Area
Control in Both Areas—
Present Day
$ 100,000
5,000
550,000
0
0
690,000
Coal Fxport
Scenario(1)
$320,000
6, 500
0
0
Energy Export
Scenario (1)
$520,000
9,800
230,000
0
Industry
Domestic
Outside Study Area
100,000
5,000
1,240,000
320,000
6,500
750,000
9,800
(1) Estimates of benefits include influence of population increases under the scenario, but not
of depletions. See Chapter 6 for discussion of future development scenarios.
-------
Agriculture in the study area may also benefit from this management option
through a decreased demand for water. Water shortages occur on the average
of 1 in 4 years in the Eden-Farson area and almost every year in Bridger
Valley. In these years of water shortages, crop production may increase in
both areas because of more efficient use of the limited water supply stored
in the reservoirs.
Residents of the two areas may also benefit from a decrease in the number
of failing septic tanks, brought about by a lowering of the ground water
table. These benefits are difficult to quantify, however, because the
number of failures attributable to a high ground water table is unknown.
Benefit-cost ratios are shown on Table 8-4. Only the reasonably quantifiable
benefits have been included. Irrigation management cannot be justified in
the Bridger Valley on a benefit-cost basis, even if benefits outside the
study area are considered. The benefit-cost ratio is favorable in the
Eden-Farson area, however, if benefits to users outside the study area are
included. The benefit-cost ratio for both areas combined is also favorable
if benefits to users outside the study area are included.
WHO PAYS
As mentioned above, almost all farmers in both the Eden-Farson area and
Bridger Valley will have to hire irrigators in order to manage the use of
irrigation water. Under the present system, these costs would be borne by
the farmers. Federal and State assistance programs are aimed at relieving
the burdens on farmers of capital improvements. Operation and maintenance
costs are borne completely by the farmer.
Because this option is designed as a voluntary action, there is almost no
chance that it will be instituted unless some of the benefits to downstream
users are passed back to the farmers who bear the costs of salinity control.
This transfer of benefits could be accomplished through one of three Federal
programs. First, the Agricultural Conservation Program provides 50 to
75 percent of the cost of conservation practices that meet special conserva-
tion needs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is authorized to provide
funds through this program under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allot-
ment Act of 1 936 (PL 71-46) . A second means of returning benefits of
salinity control to the farmers is through the Lower Basin Salinity Control
Fund, administered by the Bureau of Reclamation. These funds are raised by
increased power rates on Lower Basin users. The final funding source would
be a 208 continuing grant.
WHO ACTS
This management alternative is designed to be a voluntary action of the
individual farmers through local conservation districts with assistance
from SCS . Because of the voluntary nature of this alternative and because
the benefits of this alternative to the farmers are small, the likelihood
of implementing it on a widespread scale may be low unless some agency
takes specific action. The local conservation districts would be the most
appropriate agency to locally carry out this action. The local conservation
8-14
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Table 8-4
BENEFIT-COST RATIO FOR CONTROL OF SALT LOADS
THROUCH IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT
Benefit-Cost Ratio
Area of Control Study Area Only Entire Basin
Eden-Farson 0.4-0.7 2.2-4.4
Bridger Valley 0 0.6-1.3
Eden-Farson and Bridger
Valley 0.1-0.2 1.0-1.9
8-15
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districts are authorized under WSA 11-245(c) to conduct demonstration
projects to conserve water. This option may fall under this type of
project. If the farmers see benefits from the demonstration projects, they
may implement this option voluntarily. This approach worked for sprinkler
irrigation in Star Valley. If this option does not work on a voluntary
basis, the irrigation management recommended in this option could be made
mandatory by the irrigation districts. These districts are authorized
under WSA 41-285 to make rules and regulations for the use of water on
their lands. The districts would probably hire the irrigators if this
option were made mandatory. A mandatory program would probably be difficult
to implement given the conservative political climate in the area.
If this option is adopted by SWWQPA, there would be a requirement for the
local conservation districts to carry on the education work, although the
program would be voluntary for the individual farmers. It is recommended
that the Wyoming Conservation Commission and local conservation districts
become the nonpoint source management agency on a local and statewide basis
for agricultural activities pursuant to 40 CFR 131 .11 (o) and WSA 1 1-238.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
There are no detrimental environmental impacts associated with this manage-
ment option. The social impacts of this option are small if the option is
voluntary. The social impacts would be much greater if the option were not
voluntary, because the farmers would be forced to drop their second jobs or
hire irrigators.
8-16
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OPTION 4
STUDY POTENTIAL CONTROLS FOR SALINITY IN SUBLETTE COUNTY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Of the salinity leaving Wyoming via the Green River system, approximately
26 percent enters from Sublette County and the remaining 74 percent is
generated within the study area. Any salinity control program within the
study area can be at most 74 percent effective in reducing salinity levels
in the Green River as it leaves Wyoming.
Sublette County is not included in this 208 study, and the priority for
funding 208 studies in Sublette County under the State's nondesignated area
program is fifth out of six areas. Overall, the Sublette County study
ranks twelfth on the list of projects for the PY-1978 Wyoming Water Pollution
Control Program Plan. Therefore, funding for the county is unlikely in the
near future. The salt load from Sublette County is predominantly calcium
bicarbonate, which causes hardness in the water and raises water treatment
costs for industry and domestic users downstream. Approximately 50 percent
of the calcium reaching Flaming Gorge Reservoir from the Green River origi-
nates in Sublette County.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The State DEQ should be encouraged to include consideration of salinity
generated in Sublette County as an important factor in setting priorities
for future funding of 208 studies in nondesignated areas of the State.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Salinity reduction resulting from studies in Sublette County is assumed to
be on the same order of magnitude as might be expected from this study
area. That reduction would specifically be in the range of 5-20 percent of
the total salinity loads.
EXPECTED COSTS
The cost of making salinity studies in Sublette County could be as little
as $20,000 for a fairly cursory study to as much as $200,000 if extensive
water quality simulation modeling were undertaken.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The benefits of studying salinity in Sublette County are to equalize the
pressure on people in the Green River Basin for salinity control. Without
such studies, the pressure is more likely to be on the residents and water
users of Sweetwater County rather than on those in Sublette County.
If the studies were to result in actions to reduce salinity levels, the
benefits would accrue to all water users within Sweetwater County as well
as downstream users outside the study area.
8-17
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WHO PAYS
If studies of Sublette County were undertaken as part of 208 planning, the
Federal Government would provide 75 percent of the cost. Additional costs
beyond those that might be available from Federal sources would be borne by
residents in Wyoming and, to some extent, by residents in Sublette County.
WHO ACTS
As part of its 208 Plan, the Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning
Association encourages the State to include in the statewide plan the
necessary studies in Sublette County. The State would then have to carry
out the studies or contract with Sublette County and/or outside contractors
to do the work.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
Possible environmental impacts of studies of Sublette County might be the
eventual reduction of salinity in the Green River system.
A potential social impact of the studies is the possibility of Sublette
County residents having to take action for the benefit of those downstream.
A positive impact could be the awareness of Sweetwater County residents
that all who are involved in the basin are included in considering controls.
If specific controls were developed as a result of the studies, the controls
taken in Sublette County might not produce benefits to Sublette County
residents, but would more likely produce benefits for downstream users in
Sweetwater County and outside the State.
8-18
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OPTION 5
INTERCEPTION OF GROUND WATER IN THE BIG SANDY RECHARGE AREA
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Critical geologic areas where additional recharge could have a major impact
on salt loads in the rivers were indicated on Figure 5-17. As shown on the
figure. Big Sandy Reservoir is located in one of these critical geologic
areas. Seepage from the reservoir is recharging ground water in the
critical area and may be an important contribution to the high salt loads
found in seeps downstream in the Big Sandy River.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The initial step under this option is a study of the feasibility of inter-
cepting high quality ground water near the reservoir before it travels
through the highly saline soils and bedrock downgradient. The intercepted
ground water could be discharged from a series of barrier wells to the Big
Sandy River. This action could have two beneficial effects. First, the
amount of water which passes through the highly saline soils and bedrock
downgradient from the reservoir would be reduced. Second, flow in the Big
Sandy River would be augmented by high quality water from the wells; this
additional flow would be available for beneficial use and for dilution of
the highly saline water found in the Lower Big Sandy reach.
The feasibility study would be conducted through the Big Sandy River Unit
project. This project is presently looking at controls primarily in the
discharge areas. A more effective approach may be controls in the recharge
areas, such as the one suggested in this option.
If this option were found feasible, it could be implemented through the
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The expected contaminant reduction from this option is difficult to estimate
because of a lack of information on the amount of seepage from the Big
Sandy Reservoir and the amount of salt picked up by that seepage. Some
very broad, highly speculative estimates are given in this section. These
numbers would be more accurately defined in the feasibility study.
Big Sandy Reservoir is located in an area of highly permeable soils. The
general soil type in the area is a Farson gravelly sandy loam. Flow veloci-
ties through these soils are estimated to range from 100 feet per year to
100,000 feet per year, which correspond to permeabilities of 100 to 100,000 gallons
per day per square foot. Although flow-through rates are high for soils,
little salinity is likely to be picked up by ground water flowing through
these soils because of the small amount of leachable salts associated with
gravelly loam and the short residence time of ground water in the soils
before it is discharged to surface waters.
8-19
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Most of the salt pickup by seepage water will result from leaching of the
Bridger and Wilkins Peak Formations. These formations are primarily shales
which have low permeabilities in the range of 1 x 10~2 to 1 x 10_i* gallons
per day per square foot. These permeabilities correspond to flow rates of
1 x 10~2 t0 i x 10~4 feet per year. Within these formations, however, the
shales are interbedded with tufaceous sandstones, algal limestones, and
conglomerates. Permeabilities for these rocks are higher than those for
shales and typically range from 0.01 to 10 gallons per day per square foot.
These permeabilities correspond to flow velocities of 0.01 to 10 feet per
year.
The permeability of bedrock under the reservoir may range from 0. 0001 to
10 gallons per day per square foot, depending on the relative percentages
of shale and more permeable materials. Given the broad range in perme-
abilities, seepage from Big Sandy Reservoir may be anywhere from 0.16 acre-
foot per year (2 x 10_i+ cfs) to 16,000 acre-feet per year (22 cfs) . A more
accurate estimate of seepage could be determined in the feasibility study
by a detailed survey of the bedrock in the vicinity of the reservoir or a
detailed analysis of the water budget for the reservoir.
Seeps in the Lower Big Sandy reach have salinity concentrations as high as
6,000 mg/l TDS. Surface geology indicates that some of this saline water
may have originated as seepage from Big Sandy Reservoir, because the same
geologic formations appear at the surface in the vicinity of the reservoir
and in the vicinity of the seeps. If it is assumed that TDS concentrations
in seepage from the reservoir average 2,500 mg/l, seepage may deliver as
much as 55, 000 tons of salt per year to the Green River system. However,
if the bedrock permeability averages 1 x 10"^ gallons per day per square
foot, seepage would deliver only 0.5 ton of saits per year.
EXPECTED COST
The expected cost of the feasibility study is estimated at $50,000 to
$200,000. Costs of the project itself cannot be estimated until completion
of the feasibility study.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
This option has the potential to reduce TDS and sulfate concentrations in
the Big Sandy River and the Green River below the Big Sandy River. Those
who would benefit include industrial and domestic water users in the study
area and water users downstream and outside of the study area. Given a
potential 55,000-ton-per-year reduction in salt loads, the potential benefits
from this option total approximately $2 million per year. The benefits are
allocated as follows: $15,000 per year to domestic water users; $300,000
per year to industry in the study area; and $1,700,000 per year to users
outside the study area. These are potential benefits; in all likelihood,
the salt reduction under this option will be somewhat less, and therefore
the benefits will also be somewhat less.
Benefits may also be accrued by farmers in the Eden-Farson area. At present,
irrigation water shortages occur 1 in 4 years. Sufficient water may be
pumped from the barrier wells to the river to relieve these shortages.
8-20
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WHO PAYS
Both the feasibility study and the project would come under the Colorado
River Basin Salinity Control Program. Because the Bureau of Reclamation
has been actively involved in the Big Sandy River Unit study for 3 years,
this agency would likely assume the responsibility and cost for the feasi-
bility study.
WHO ACTS
The Bureau of Reclamation could initiate action under the existing Big
Sandy River Unit study.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
There are no environmental or social impacts associated with the feasibility
study. Impacts should be considered in the feasibility study for the
control alternatives developed. An important environmental impact might be
lower base flows in the river. A social impact might be increased Federal
or State involvement in the area.
8-21
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OPTION 6
NO ACTION
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Taking no action is construed in this case to mean no further action beyond
what is being done at the present. This option, then, would be limited to
a continuation of the programs of BLM, DEQ, and the State Engineer to
control discharge of saline water from wells and a continuation of the Big
Sandy Unit study.
Salinity levels in the study area are presently causing economic and health
impacts on domestic and industrial water users. The costs associated with
industrial and domestic water use in the Green River Basin have been discussed
in Chapter 4.
As noted on Table 8-2, all the use impairments are attributed at least in
part to natural ground water discharges. Those impairments in Bitter
Creek, Killpecker Creek, and Hams Fork are caused entirely by natural
ground water discharges. Efforts to remove these three streams from their
natural state in order to remedy salinity problems would be technically
difficult, economically expensive, and perhaps environmentally unsound.
Salinity problems in the other reaches have controllable sources and have
caused discomfort to the stomach and the pocketbook; but they have not
appeared to discourage the use of the water. High salinity in the streams
may be more tolerable to many in the study area than some of the salinity
controls. For example, the irrigation controls presented in other options
would involve more regulations, more government intervention, more costs,
and less personal freedoms than ranchers presently experience (or perhaps
would be willing to experience) .
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The only actions involved in this option are to allow the programs mentioned
above to continue and to allow individual decisions by water users concerning
independent actions affecting their own economic picture. For example, if
the cost to an industry, for treating the present water is higher than the
cost of developing and operating a pipeline to a better water source, then
it may be wiser for them to secure a better source if it is available to
them under the existing water rights picture. The same analysis could be
made by domestic suppliers as well.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
No reduction in salinity is expected as a result of this action. In the
future, salinity concentrations may increase because of more irrigation in
the Bridger Valley due to the Lyman project and more diversions and depletions
of high quality water for industrial and domestir use.
8-22
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EXPECTED COSTS
Existing costs related to salinity were estimated in Chapter 4. The analysis
in Chapter 6 indicated that development under the energy export and coal
export scenarios would have little impact on costs of water use in the
study area, although some costs would be incurred by water users outside of
the study area under the energy export scenario. Diversion of high quality
water, such as from Fontenelle Reservoir, would have major economic impacts
on water users both in the study area and downstream from it. Therefore,
water resources development without consideration of water quality may be
costly to present and future water users.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Those who benefit by such an action would be those to whom the costs could
accrue if any of the other possible actions were taken. The general situa-
tion in the study area is that those who cause salinity are upstream and
those who benefit from salinity reductions are downstream. Thus, those who
benefit are not necessarily those who pay for salinity control.
WHO PAYS
Costs of ongoing programs would continue to be borne by BLM and DEQ in the
management of exploratory and other wells and by the Bureau of Reclamation
and USDA in the Big Sandy Unit study. Costs for salinity treatment would
be paid by the industrial users and the domestic suppliers and their customers
in the study area as well as outside of it.
A possibility exists that this option may restrict Wyoming's rights to
develop water apportioned to it under the Colorado River Compact. Salinity
is a recognized national and international water quality problem in the
Colorado River Basin. If Wyoming does not make reasonable efforts to
control salinity loads and concentrations within its borders, the Federal
government may be able to prevent water resources development in the State
on the grounds that it would severely degrade water quality in the Lower
Colorado River. Such a restriction would severely hamper economic growth
in Wyoming.
WHO ACTS
BLM and DEQ would continue to act as described above.
Independent actions would take place on the part of individual industries
or domestic suppliers in accordance with their perceived economic picture.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
Because this option is a continuation of the existing system, it would
probably have the least social impact of any of the salinity control options.
The environmental impacts include continued economic-related and health-
related problems due to high salinity.
8-23
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OPTION 7
SALINITY STANDARDS IN THE STUDY AREA
An important distinction exists between the water quality criteria developed
in Chapter 2 and water quality standards. The criteria developed in this
report are numeric values used to judge existing and future water quality
in terms of the water quality goals in the study area. They differ from
standards in that standards are adopted by an administrative agency for the
regulation and enforcement of water quality.
The criteria for specific salinity species given in Chapter 2 concern the
protection of water for industry, agriculture, wildlife and livestock
watering, public water supply, and fisheries. The feasibility of adopting
these criteria as standards is examined under this option. In addition,
this option will describe investigations about an economic-based salinity
criterion that can be applied in the area. A recommendation for adoption
will be made if the standards protect water quality for beneficial use; if
they are attainable at reasonable economic, environmental, and social cost;
and if they are legally defensible.
PRECEDENT FOR SALINITY STANDARDS IN THE STUDY AREA
EPA promulgated in the Federal Register on December 18, 1974, a regulation
establishing a Colorado River System Salinity Control Policy and Standards
Procedure (40 CFR, Part 120, Water Quality Standards). The pertinent parts
of this regulation are presented below:
(b) It shall be the policy that the flow weighted average annual
salinity in the lower main stem of the Colorado River System be main-
tained at or below the average value found during 1972. To carry out
this policy, water quality standards for salinity and a plan of imple-
mentation for salinity control shall be developed and implemented in
accordance with the principles of paragraph (c) below.
(c) The States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico,
Utah and Wyoming are required to adopt and submit for approval to the
Environmental Protection Agency on or before October 18, 1975:
(1) Adopted water quality standards for salinity including numeric
criteria consistent with the policy stated above for appropriate
points in the Colorado River System; and,
(2) A plan to achieve compliance with these standards as expeditiously
as practicable providing that:
(i) The plan shall identify State and Federal regulatory authorities
and programs necessary to achieve compliance with the plan.
(ii) The salinity problem shall be treated a', a basinwide problem that
needs to be solved in order to maintain lower main stem salinity at or
below 1972 levels while the basin States continue to develop their
compact apportioned waters.
8-24
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(iii) The goal of the plan shall be to achieve compliance with the
adopted standards by July 1, 1983. The date of compliance with the
adopted standards shall take into account the necessity for Federal
salinity control actions set forth in the plan. Abatement measures
within the control of the States shall be implemented as soon as
practicable.
(iv) Salinity levels in the lower main stem may temporarily increase
above the 1972 levels if control measures to offset the increases are
included in the control plan. However, compliance with 1972 levels
shall be a primary consideration.
Wyoming has complied with the requirements in this regulation through the
adoption of the standards and salinity control program of the Colorado
River Basin Salinity Control Forum. The adopted water quality standards
for salinity are the following flow-weighted average annual concentrations
of total dissolved solids:
¦ 723 mg/l at the station below Hoover Dam
¦ 747 mg/l at the station below Parker Dam
¦ 879 mg/l at Imperial Dam
These standards are based on the average concentrations at each station in
1972. All three stations are more than 500 miles south of the study area.
There are no numeric instream salinity standards in the study area.
The salinity control program proposed by the Forum and adopted by Wyoming
includes the present Big Sandy Unit study on the control of nonpoint salinity
loadings from the Big Sandy River. This project is one of 17 Federal
projects in the Colorado River Basin designed to control salinity. Comple-
tion of all 17 projects was originally predicted to allow full development
of Colorado River compact-allocated water in the Upper Basin without
increases in salinity concentrations in the Lower Basin beyond the levels
set in the standards. However, this prediction is no longer considered
valid by EPA and the Bureau of Reclamation.
RATIONALE FOR SALINITY STANDARDS IN THE STUDY AREA
Use impairments due to excessively high salinity concentrations are summa-
rized on Table 8-2 at the start of this chapter. There are two types of
salinity problems in the study area. First, increases in general salinity
(expressed as total dissolved solids or specific conductance) have resulted
in greater costs of water treatment for industry and domestic water users.
Second, with regard to specific salinity species, high concentrations of
sulfate have caused health problems in Rock Springs and Creen River; and
high concentrations of sulfate, chloride, and total dissolved solids have
the potential for causing health problems for livestock and wildlife.
Salinity control, both general and species-specific, can relieve these
salinity problems and create economic and health benefits in the study
area. Some of the salinity control options discussed earlier in this
chapter are economically feasible (benefit-cost ratios greater than one)
8-25
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when considering the basin as a whole; none has a favorable benefit-cost
ratio within Wyoming alone. The reason for a standard, whether for general
salinity or for a specific species, is to provide a basis for measuring
achievement and enforcing control programs.
The salinity standards adopted by Wyoming through the Colorado River Basin
Salinity Control Project apply only to levels in the Lower Basin and cannot
be used to regulate directly salinity concentration or loads in the study
area. A new set of standards would be necessary if a salinity control
policy were adopted for the study area.
PREFERRED LOCATIONS OF SALINITY STANDARDS STATIONS
Stations for monitoring salinity would be required in the study area and
would have three purposes: (1) to monitor sulfate, chloride, and total
dissolved solids concentrations to ensure that they do not exceed health
standards for people, livestock, or wildlife; (2) to monitor salinity loads
for the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project; and (3) to control
salinity for the economic benefit of the study area. The set of stations
for the first two purposes should include at least those listed on Table 8-5.
The recommended stations for the third purpose include the following already
in existence;
¦ Green River at Big Island
¦ Green River near Green River
¦ Green River below Green River
¦ Blacks Fork near Little America
These four stations are located above reaches where water treatment costs
lH !££. study area may be significantly reduced by salinity control, and
below areas with the potential of greater salt delivery. The station near
Green River has been included because it is still unclear how much of the
salt load generated in the Big Sandy watershed reaches the Green River
system through ground water discharge below the station at Big Island
compared with direct discharge from the Big Sandy itself.
RECREATION AND FISHERY-RELATED INSTPEAM SALINITY STANDARDS
The stated goal of the 1972 Clean Water Act and a policy of EPA is the
protection of waters for recreational uses and for Jesired species of
aquatic biota through a National Water Quality Standards Program. No
salinity criteria developed in Chapter 2 were related to recreation. One
criterion, that alkalinity must be 20 mg/l or more as calcium carbonate
unless natural concentrations are less, concerns the protection of fisheries.
No reaches in the study area have had violations of this criterion. Therefore,
the criterion is achievable under existing conditions. It also appears
achievable under the scenarios of future conditions presented in Chapter 6.
8-26
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Table 8-5
SALINITY MONITORING STATIONS
Monitoring Stations
Green River near LaBarge
Green River below Fontenelle Reservoir
Green River at Big Island
Green River near Green River
Green River below Green River
Big Sandy Reservoir
Big Sandy River below Eden
Big Sandy River at Gasson Bridge
Pacific Creek near Farson
Bitter Creek above Salt Wells Creek
Blacks Fork near Millburne
Blacks Fork near Lyman
Blacks Fork near Little America
Smiths Fork near Lyman
Muddy Creek near Hampton
Hams Fork near Granger
Henrys Fork near Manila
Storet Numbers
09209400
09211200
09216300
09217000
09217010
560101
09216000
09216050
09215000
09216562
09218500
09222000
09224700
09221650
09222400
09224450
09226000
8-27
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It is recommended under this option that DEQ not adopt this criterion as a
standard. The situation in which a water user would dilute the alkalinity
below 20 mg/l in any of the Southwestern Wyoming streams is extremely
unlikely. Therefore, a standard appears meaningless. If the rare situation
described above arises, it would appear to be preferable to allow the
dilution rather than to force the user to add alkalinity to the water,
thereby increasing salinity in the Colorado River system.
HEALTH-RELATED INSTREAM SALINITY STANDARDS
The criteria developed in Chapter 2 contain certain values related to the
health effects of salinity. These effluent limitations include—
u Chloride less than or equal to 2,000 mg/l for wildlife and live-
stock watering.
H Sulfates less than or equal to 3,000 mg/l for wildlife and live-
stock watering.
n Sulfates less than or equal to 250 mg/l for public water supplies.
B Total dissolved solids less than or equal to 5,000 mg/l for
wildlife and livestock watering.
It is recommended under this option that these criteria be considered for
adoption as instream standards in the study area by DEQ. Maximum instream
concentrations should not be allowed to exceed these levels in any sample.
This recommendation reflects the existing national and State policy where
standards are promulgated for public health-related welfare.
Those reaches with impaired uses due to instream concentrations which
exceeded the four criteria listed above are—
Creen River reach (public water supply)
Flaming Gorge Reservoir (public water supply)
Upper Bitter Creek (wildlife and livestock watering)
Killpecker Creek (wildlife and livestock watering)
Lyman reach of Blacks Fork (public water supply)
Lower Hams Fork (public water supply)
Salinity standards could be met in these reaches either by reducing or
diluting salinity loads or by abandoning the impaired uses in these reaches.
The three reaches along the main stems of the Creen River and Blacks Fork
lie below areas in the Big Sandy and Bridger Valley with economically
feasible salinity control projects. Adoption of health-related salinity
standards in these reaches would encourage progress on these projects.
Without salinity modeling in the area, it is unknown whether the feasible
salinity control measures can reduce salinity concentrations to the level
required by the standards. However, these measures >jan probably bring
maximum instream concentrations closer to the standards and reduce the
amount of time instream standards are exceeded.
a
a
a
a
u
8-28
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The other three reaches fisted above do not lie below feasible salinity
control projects. Rather than to promote salinity control projects, salinity
standards in these reaches can indicate to users when water use should be
restricted because of possible health impacts. For example, users in the
Lower Hams Fork may seek to obtain rights for storage of water and use the
stored water during the periods of high sulfates in mid-winter.
ECONOMIC-RELATED INSTREAM SALINITY STANDARDS
The Colorado River System Salinity Control Standards are based on salinity
control for the economic benefit of agriculture, industry, and domestic
water users in the Lower Colorado River Basin. As discussed earlier, they
cannot be used to control salinity explicitly for the benefit of users in
the study area. Therefore, additional salinity standards may be needed to
control salinity in the study area for the economic benefit of those in the
study area and in Wyoming.
Among the salinity criteria developed in Chapter 2, only the SAR-TDS cri-
terion for agriculture is economic-based. Nine reaches are indicated as
impaired for agricultural use because instream concentrations exceed this
criterion. However, no farmers or ranchers in any of these reaches have
noted a curtailment of crop production because of poor water quality.
There are two explanations for this discrepancy: first, irrigation water
is usually diverted from the upper end of a reach, where water quality is
significantly better than that recorded for the reach at stations downstream;
second, the practice of flood irrigation washes out salts which have accumu-
lated during the irrigation season. For these two reasons, salt concentra-
tions have not been a problem to agriculture in the study area. To adopt
the SAR-TDS criterion as a standard may focus attention away from the more
severe salinity problems for domestic water users, industry, and wildlife
and livestock. Therefore, it is recommended under this option that the
SAR-TDS criterion not be adopted as a standard in the study area.
Industry and domestic water users in the study area would benefit from a
control in salinity. When comparing these benefits with their costs,
however, the ratio is not favorable. For this reason, standards are not
recommended under this option to provide benefits only to users within the
study area.
However, when comparing benefits basinwide, with costs of general salinity
control within the area, a favorable ratio exists. It therefore seems
reasonable to recommend under this option that both point and nonpoint
source control programs be implemented, including some or all of the other
options described in this chapter. Standards can aid in the enforcement of
these programs.
The question remains, then, what standard should be applied in order to
measure the need for control and the achievement of control. As described
before, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum has adopted water
quality standards but at points more than 500 miles downstream from Wyoming.
DEQ cannot use those standards to provide the required measurement. Under
this option two methods of establishing numeric standards for Wyoming have
8-29
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been investigated. Neither can be recommended at this time for reasons
explained below. Another way is to establish salinity standards for Wyoming
through judicial proceedings; that is the route chosen by the Environmental
Defense Fund in its suit against EPA and other Federal agencies in August
1977. The case was still in court at the time this report was published.
The two methods for establishing scientifically based standards that were
investigated in this study are described in the following material. The
policy behind both is a maintenance of salinity at existing levels. Included
are the reasons why they were not recommended. It is hoped that this
information will be of value to those who may be asked to develop salinity
standards in the future.
The precedent has been set in the Colorado River Basin to peg economic-related
salinity standards in the Lower Basin to 1972 flow-weighted instream total
dissolved solids concentration. Because of this precedent, the possibility
of using 1972 flow-weighted conditions in the study area for economic-related
salinity standards was investigated in detail. This approach was found
unsuitable for two reasons.
First, while flow-weighting is a good way to describe salinity levels
instream over a wide variety of conditions, it is not appropriate for the
study area because industrial and domestic water users are more concerned
with actual salinity concentrations in their intake water. In 1972, users
of Green River water near Green River experienced an average intake salinity
of 529 y mhos. The flow-weighted average instream salinity concentration
for 1972 at that station was 456 ymhos. The flow-weighted average would
significantly underestimate the costs of salinity to users during that
year.
Second, uncontrollable natural climatic changes in precipitation cause
large changes in salinity concentrations. Figure 8-2 shows salinity levels
at two stations for 6 years (1970-75) and compares these levels with the
average salinity level for 1960-75 for the same stations. Although salinity
concentrations in 1972 were within 5 percent of the long-term average at
the two stations, there is considerable variation from year to year. The
primary reason for those variations is changing amounts of precipitation on
the watershed. Surface runoff is low in salts compared with ground water
discharge. Generally, when surface runoff is high it dilutes ground water
salinity contributions; when surface runoff is low, higher instream salinity
results because ground water has more influence. Because of the wide
variability from year to year, selecting a single year's value for the
standard means that natural rather than manmade conditions could cause
violation of the standard. The situation makes a measurement of the effects
of management programs impossible.
The second method investigated for establishing a scientifically based
general salinity standard uses a statistical approach rather than a single
year's value. Here, recognizing the natural scat^r of salinity levels
described above, the values over several years were plotted for the same
two stations. This is shown on Figure 8-3. The approach tries to build
upon the relationship that lower runoff years have higher instream salinity
8-30
-------
2000
1 soo
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FIGURE 8-3
ANNUAL SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE
AS A FUNCTION OF THE AVERAGE
ANNUAL FLOW RATE
CH2M
"SHILL
-------
and higher runoff years have lower salinity, If a sound statistical relation-
ship can be established between salinity and flow levels, then a rule curve
can be established against which to make measurements. The rule curve
becomes, in effect, a standard. When salinity levels are above the ruie
curve, it would be assumed that man-induced conditions caused the increase
and the need for more control would be as evident as if a standard were
violated. Figure 8-3 shows that definite patterns emerge for the two
stations, and that each station has its own characteristic. However,
because natural causes deliver as much as 80 percent of the salinity at the
Green River station and as much as 60 percent of that at the Blacks Fork
station, as little as 20 percent change in the Green River natural conditions
from one year to another would completely mask any salinity contributions
made by all other sources. This means the method would not be sensitive to
changes in man-induced salinity loads. Perhaps with 10 to 15 additional
years of record, this approach could be used more satisfactorily.
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS FOR POINT SOURCES
The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum adopted a Policy for Imple-
mentation of the Colorado River Salinity Standards through the NPDES Permit
Program on February 28, 1977. The effluent limitations contained in Forum
Policy and summarized below are the basis for point source control of
salinity.
The objective for industrial sources is a no-salt-return policy. Each new
or existing industrial facility is judged on an individual basis. If the
objective cannot be attained for a particular facility, discharges of up to
1 ton per day or 350 tons per year may be allowed. Although not specifically
stated, it is assumed that industrial sources also include discharging
wells drilled for exploration of water or oil and gas.
The objective for municipal sources is an incremental increase of 400 mg/l
or less above the flow-weighted average salinity of the intake water supply
or a maximum discharge of 1 ton per day or 350 tons per year, whichever is
less. Each municipal facility is judged on an individual basis. Requirements
may be waived for a particular facility if there is no reasonable way of
attaining the objective.
It is recommended under this option that these standards be included in the
NPDES permits for dischargers to the Green River system. Technology is
available to meet the discharge standards in the study area. The technology
includes evaporation ponds, distillation, reverse osmosis, and other removal
techniques.
Consideration has also been given to limiting salinity concentrations in
the industrial and municipal discharges to 879 mg/l, which is the flow-
weighted 1972 salinity concentration in the Lower Colorado River at Imperial
Dam. However, this concentration limit has no meaning in terms of use
protection in the study area, and therefore it does not appear to be a
defensible standard.
8-33
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The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed rules
relating to the surface discharge of water associated with the production
of oil and gas (Chapter VII, Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations}.
Section 4 of the rules contain the following effluent limitations:
¦ Chlorides must not exceed 2,000 mg/l in any sample
¦ Sulfates must not exceed 3,000 mg/l in any sample
¦ Total dissolved solids must not exceed 5,000 mg/l in any sample
¦ pH must be between 6.5 and 3.5 in all samples
¦ Oil and grease may not exceed 10 mg/l in any sample
The State also reserves the right to impose limitations on other parameters.
It is recommended under this option that DEQ continue to include these
conditions in discharge permits for oil and gas.
WASTELOAD REDUCTIONS FOR NONPOINT SOURCES
Wasteload allocations for nonpoint sources are a difficult task. First,
there is commonly no single discharge point from a nonpoint salinity source,
so monitoring of salinity loadings from the source is difficult. Second,
the reduction in salinity loadings from a nonpoint source due to the institu-
tion of certain management practices is difficult to predict accurately.
Because of these two problems, wasteload allocations have generally not
been attempted for nonpoint sources. However, the salinity budget in
Chapter 5 shows that essentially all of the present salt load generated in
the study area comes from nonpoint sources. This trend may be expected to
continue. Therefore, salinity control in the study area dictates control
of nonpoint salinity sources.
The proposed objective of economic-related instream salinity standards is
no increase in salinity concentrations over existing levels. Even though
specific numeric levels cannot be developed in this report, as described
earlier, the salinity reduction objective is just as valid, and each project
or area can be considered on an individual basis. This objective may then
be attained by no net increase in salinity concentrations due to salinity
loadings from nonpoint sources. An example of how this reduction scheme
would work is presented below for a hypothetical project.
A hypothetical project involves the construction of a reservoir near Big
Island to store surplus early-season runoff on the Creen River. This
project could increase salinity directly by evaporation and seepage or
indirectly by provision of water for irrigation in the contact zone.
Under the wasteload allocation system proposed for nonpoint sources, the
effects of the project on salinity concentrations at Creen River near Creen
River would have to be balanced by salinity control measures above that
station. Control measures could include options mentioned earlier, such as
better timing of irrigations or a change from flood irrigation to sprinkler
irrigation, or other best management practices. The impact of salt changes
on concentrations near Creen River could be estimated through stochastic
river models developed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Utah Water Research
8-34
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Lab, or others. Approval of the hypothetical project would be contingent
on finding and instituting best management practices to balance out its
salinity impacts at the station designated Green River near Green River.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The goal of the economic-based standards considered under this option is to
maintain existing salinity levels in the study area. To attain this goal
may require reduction in salt loadings or increases in dilution water. The
salinity control measures should also be aimed at reducing concentrations
of specific salinity species below the health-based standards.
EXPECTED COSTS
Costs for developing salinity standards have not been estimated. However,
these costs would probably be small compared to the potential benefits
gained.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Those who would benefit from salinity standards would be domestic and
industrial water users, wildlife and livestock in the study area, and
downstream users outside the study area. Benefits would be both economic
and health related.
WHO PAYS
DEQ would incur costs in the development and enforcement of salinity stan-
dards. These costs are difficult to assess.
EPA, through the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, would also be
involved in setting standards, using the same funding as now.
WHO ACTS
DEQ is the primary agency responsible for water quality managment in the
State of Wyoming, and would seem to be the logical choice for administering
the nonpoint program described earlier. The nonpoint program is consistent
with the Wyoming standards which call for no increase in salinity levels;
these standards are enforced by DEQ. Under the program, DEQ would be
responsible for determining or evaluating the salinity increases associated
with a specific project and enforcing the implementation of counteractive
measures designed to maintain salinity loadings from nonpoint sources at
their present level.
While the institutional framework described above would probably be the
most centralized and effective, DEQ may not have the authority to enforce
counteractive measures. An alternative is that the State Engineer could
implement the program if a project involved a new water right or a transfer
of water rights. Most new, large projects in the study area will probably
require either a new water right or a transfer, and therefore would come
under the authority of the State Engineer.
8-35
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Another alternative for the nonpoint program is to implement the proqram
through the process of environmental impact statements. A statement would
investigate the salinity impacts of a particular project and give detailed
consideration to measures which would counteract the salinity increases
The management or permitting agency would then weigh the water quality
impacts with economic, social, and other environmental impacts of the
project in order to come to the decision whether salinity levels should be
^ Th'* aPProach probably be less consistent than the other
two and may not be as successful in maintaining salinity levels; however
S? ^ would offer the most balanced consideration of all factors
which determine if a project is justifiable.
DEQ would eventually institute instream salinity standards for the studv
'Bio
the instream salinity standards.
nlrthr9e permits/or P°'nt sources would be issued by DEQ under the NPDES
£ r of those dischar^for
It IS important to realize that salinity standards may not be an option for
^s result of thCOUr>KeCid^ ^at Stateline standards must be promulgated
esult of the suit brought by the Environmental Defense Fund. The
case was in court at the time this report was published.
8-36
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OPTION 8
CONTROL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND DRILLING ACTIVITES
IN AREAS WHERE SALTS CAN BE MOBILIZED
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Two proposed water resources projects, the Plains Reservoir and the Stateline
Project, provide good examples of the reasons for this option. The locations
of the two projects are shown on Figure 8-4, which is a reproduction of
Figure 5-17. As seen on Figure 8-4, the Plains Reservoir would be located
in a critical geologic area along the contact zone between the Bridger and
Wilkins Peak Formations. Percolation from the reservoir would enter this
contact zone and very likely cause heavy leaching of salts. The significance
of this contact zone is described in Chapter 5. The Meeks Cabin Reservoir
is not on the contact zone itself; however, the areas that will be irrigated
as a result of that project are on the contact zone, and irrigating those
areas will increase salinity in surface and ground water bodies without the
institution of salinity control measures, as shown in a report prepared for
the State Engineer's Office (Skogerboe, 1973) .
Four possible conditions may be created which will increase the movement of
ground water through the critical areas shown on Figure 8-4 and increase
salt loadings to surface water from ground water. These four possible
mechanisms are described below.
Irrigation or reservoir construction over saline soils and bedrock may
increase salt loadings to surface waters. A good example of where such a
mechanism is happening is in the Bridger Valley where soils are underlain
by a shale formation. SCS personnel claim that the present irrigation
practice of flooding in the Bridger Valley results in over-application of
irrigation water. This excess water percolates through the soil to the
shale formation and feaches the salts back up into the soil itself. During
irrigation season, these salts largely stay in the soil mantle, but irri-
gation practice in the spring time is to use the excess spring runoff to
flush the salts from the soils so that they do not build up in the plants'
root zone. This flushing action liberates the salts and allows them to
reach the surface streams.
The second possible condition occurs when wells or drill holes penetrate
upper soil and rock layers and reach underlying layers that have high salt
content and contain water under pressure. If not properly sealed, such
wells can flow high saline water to the surface where it can enter surface
streams or enter the ground water body. Examples of this mechanism have
been found in northern Sweetwater County where exploration and other wells
drilled in past years have been left to flow free to the surface. Salinity
of the water in these flowing wells has reached 10,000 parts per million.
As discussed in Chapter 5, two areas lack only the proper geologic structure
to convey highly saline water to the surface. These areas are the Hams
Fork between Kemmerer and Granger and the Henrys Fork between Manila and
Burnt Fork. Drilling in these areas can modify the ground water flow
regime and allow the Bridger Formation to interact with the Green River
Formation. This interaction produces the "salt pump" phenomenon described
in Chapter 5.
8-37
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CONTACT ZONE BETWEEN
wilkins peak formation
AND BRIDGER FORMATION
MANCOS-TYPE SHALES
810 SANDY DAM
I H 4 f ttt
FONTENELLE DAM
PLAINS
/ RESERVOIR
S I TE
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¥¦ £ MMQ (K.T
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PROJECT
FIGURE 8-1
RELATIONSHIP OF PLAINS
RESERVOIR AND STATELINE
PROJECT TO CRITICAL
GEOLOGIC AREAS
CHiM
SSHILL
-------
Of particular concern are the shallow drilling and blasting practices used
in geophysical seismic oi! exploration. The reason for the concern is
illustrated on Figure 8-5 for the situtation in the Hams Fork and Henrys
Fork. The present salinity in the two streams is predominantly calcium
sulfate, leached out of the Bridger Formation. Salinity levels in the two
streams are low compared to those in Blacks Fork or Big Sandy River because
the interaction of the highly saline Green River Formation with surface
waters is prevented by an impermeable layer of Laney shale. As shown on
the figure, blasting can fracture the impermeable layer and allow water in
the Green River Formation to react with water in the Bridger Formation.
This interaction produces a "salt pump" of sodium sulfate to the surface
waters, as described in Chapter 5.
The third possible condition under which salts can be mobilized from soils
occurs where previous erosion or construction has exposed and cut through
saline layers and then those layers become flooded through the development
of a dam and reservoir. The contact of water with these saline layers,
primarily shale, allows the salts to be leached from the ground and into
the water. No examples of this condition are known to exist now in the
study area.
A fourth possible condition would be if saJine-bearing layers are uncovered
through surface mining or construction activities and then allowed to come
into contact with water whether natural or man-applied. Salts may be
leached from the saline formation in these cases and, if not controlled,
could reach surface water bodies and increase the salinity load there.
This condition also has not been found in the study area.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The primary management action to guard against salts being mobilized from
soils is to require thorough investigation of where such potential conditions
exist prior to any development occurring and requiring that existinq agricul-
ture or well drilling activities that may mobilize soils be modified or
operated in such a way so as to prevent a contamination problem. BLM and
DEQ each currently have a program that requires oil-and-gas wells be sealed
to prevent the intrusion of highly saline ground water into other ground
water or surface water bodies. The DEQ program is limited to exploration
holes. State regulation of production wells falls under the jurisdiction
of the Oil and Gas Commission. The State Engineer's Office issues permits
for the development of ground water. Certain conditions contained in the
permits are aimed at minimizing water quality impacts. These programs have
been effective over the last few years and are encouraged to continue into
the future.
For the situation in the Bridger Valley, see further discussion under
Option 3.
The agencies most likely to undertake water resources development that
might mobilize salts under one of the four conditions mentioned above are
the Bureau of Reclamation and the State of Wyoming. These agencies should
be aware of the location of potential problems, as shown on Figure 8-t.
8-39
-------
SOIL
a O
° <*
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O
*
o
O csr
c*
BRIDGER FORMATION
(CALCIUM SULFATE)
LANEY SHALE
( IMPERMEABLE)
GREEN RIVER FORMATION
(SODIUM CARBONATE)
FIGURE 8-5
HOW DRILLING CAN START
THE "SALT PUMP"
CH2M
K HILL
-------
They are encouraged to require study of potential water quality conditions
associated with any water resources development that they may sponsor or be
responsible far reviewing.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Salinity reductions due to changes in irrigation practice in the Bridger
Valley are covered under the discussion for Option 3.
Actions directed toward future water resources development can be expected
to produce no net increase in salinity over current levels if proper study
is done and precautions taken.
The program of BLM and DEQ wich requires the sealing of oi l-and-gas wells
is expected to continue to be effective and to cause no net increase in
surface water salinity in the future. Furthermore, the program of BLM and
DEQ to find and sea! wells that may already be causing problems is likely
to produce a net decrease in salinity in the study area. Specific amounts
cannot be estimated due to the unknown number of such wells and due to the
uncertainty of a program for capping and sealing them. In addition, existing
ground water bodies may already have been contaminated with flows from
these wells, and the residua! effects could continue for some time even
after the wells are sealed.
EXPECTED COST
Costs associated with irrigation practices in the Bridger Valley are covered
under Option 3.
The costs associated with doing further study prior to water resources
development will depend on where the development is proposed. Also, the
investigations would probably be carried out as part of other exploratory
work and the cost would not stand out as a separate item. There is a
likelihood that the results of the studies may preclude some water resource
development or other development in certain areas. It is also possible
that actions to prevent problems, should development occur, can increase
the cost of a water resources development project.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Those benefiting from these salinity control actions would be those domestic,
industrial, or agricultural users of water within the study area downstream
from a proposed project which would cause salinity increases, as well as
downstream users in the Colorado River system and outside the study area.
WHO PAYS
Costs associated with irrigation practices in the Bridger Valley are described
under the discussion of Option 3.
Costs associated with proper management of exploratory and other wells
would be borne by the one who is paying for the drilling. In addition,
costs to manage such a program will continue to be borne by BLM, DEQ, and
the State Engineer's Office.
8-HT
-------
Costs to evaluate proposed water resource projects in order to study the
potential for salinity would be borne by the public, either nationally in
the case of federally funded projects or statewide for State-initiated
projects. If water resource development projects were undertaken by private
industries, then the cost for additional study as well as control measures
would be borne by them.
WHO ACTS
Discussion for Bridger Valley irrigation is contained under Option 3.
BLM and DEQ would continue to act as the management agencies related to
oil^and-gas wells in the area. The State Engineer would continue to issue
permits for ground water development and give detailed consideration to the
ground water impacts of each case.
The Bureau of Reclamation and the State of Wyoming Water Planning Program
could be charged with carrying out the necessary study for any public or
private projects as appropriate that might affect salinity levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The environmental impact of any of the actions under this option would be
to produce no net increase in future salinity levels in surface and ground
water bodies. The salinity levels present in the study area are already
high enough to have significant economic and health impacts. Future increases
in salinity will make these impacts more severe.
Social impacts of these actions include the possibility that some future
potential water development projects may be dropped because costs associated
with salinity control are too high. These consequences could result in a
change in the type or extent of industrial development within the basin or
where basin waters may be diverted.
8-42
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OPTION 9
CONSIDERATION OF DIVERSION AND DEPLETION IMPACTS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The impacts of different diversion and depletion scenarios were assessed in
Chapter 6. it was determined in that chapter that the locations of future
diversions and depletions could greatly affect salinity in the Green River
and the Lower Colorado River. For example, a diversion of 92,000 acre-feet
per year from Fontenelle Reservoir would cost water users in the Green
River and Colorado River Basins millions of dollars per year for salinity
treatment. By contrast, diversion of Big Sandy River means millions of
dollars in savings for those users. Downstream impacts such as these
should be considered in any fair evaluation of a proposed diversion or
depletion.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The action prescribed under this option is a review of a proposed diversion
or depletion in terms of salinity impacts. The review could be conducted
in the manner described below:
¦ The State Engineer would make predictions of future salinity
levels based on the proposed diversion or depletion. He may use
the "Green River Model" described in Chapter 6, which is available
at the University of Wyoming, Laramie; or he may use another
model or method which he determines in his professional judgment
to produce satisfactory results
¦ If predicted total dissolved solids concentrations are less than
10 percent different from existing concentrations predicted in
the "Clean Water Report for Southwestern Wyoming," Chapter 6, the
State Engineer would notify the Lincoln-Uinta Association of
Governments (LUAOG) and the Sweetwater County government of the
change in the depletion and diversion projections.
¦ If predicted total dissolved solids concentrations are more than
10 percent different from concentrations predicted as above, the
State Engineer would notify LUAOG and Sweetwater County before
the permit is granted so that LUAOG and Sweetwater County may
notify concerned individuals and agencies and take any action
desired by those individuals and agencies.
The intent of this option is not to prevent future water resources develop-
ment in the Green River Basin, but rather to select the most environmentally
sound projects and to distribute the economic or health-related impacts on
downstream water users to those gaining the benefits from water resources
development.
8-43
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EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Reductions in salinity would depend on the specific proposed project and
the mitigating measures taken.
EXPECTED COST
The State Engineer would incur additional costs in the review process. The
water developer may also experience greater costs if the proposed diversion
is considered environmentally unacceptable. The costs for the State Engineer
and water developers would have to be estimated on a project-by-project
basis.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Consideration of possible water quality impacts due to water resources
development may prevent worse economic and health-related salinity impacts
in the study area and downstream from it. Even if a water resources project
is eventually developed that leads to higher salinity levels, the review
process will have alerted impacted water users and offered them a process
for voicing their concerns.
WHO PAYS
The purpose of this option is to equitably distribute the cost impacts of
water resources development. Secondary costs, like those experienced by
downstream water users for salinity treatment, are often not considered in
the total cost of a project. The review process would identify these costs
and attempt to find some way of distributing them among the water developers
and other affected parties. Of course, if benefits to downstream water
users are realized through the development of poorer quality water, an
attempt would be made to return a portion of the benefits to the water
developer. This process would provide an incentive for the development and
beneficial use of poorer quality water.
Agencies and units of government would incur costs during the review process
itself. The State Engineer's Office, as the responsible agency, would
probably experience the greatest costs. However, costs incurred by LUAOG,
Sweetwater County, and others may also be substantial for individual projects.
WHO ACTS
The Wyoming State Engineer would be responsible for ensuring the proper
evaluation of future water quality conditions associated with any proposed
water development projects in the State. The Wyoming Department of Environ-
mental Quality and the Wyoming Water Planning Program Office would be
called in by the State Engineer to evaluate water quality factors when the
project is presented to them.
If one of the evaluation criteria for a water resources development project
is the benefit-cost ratio, it must be assured that all benefits and costs
are included in the calculation of the ratio. The transfer of water quality
8-44
-------
and water quantity information needed to make a complete evaluation of the
benefits and costs of a water resources development project can be accomp-
lished through the IDWC.
Federal facilities are now required to meet State water quality standards,
according to Section 313 of PL 92-500 and Executive Order 11752 from the
EPA. Both DEQ and EPA could examine the water quality impacts of a new
Federal project to see if the requirements of the executive order can be
met.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The environmental implications of a proper evaluation of future salinity
impacts would be to mitigate future salinity-related impacts of water
resources development. In order to allow water resources development to
take place in Wyoming, some increases in salinity might be permitted after
a detailed investigation of alternatives and mitigating measures.
Conditions defined during the review process for a certain water resources
development project may make that project economically infeasible for the
developer. The loss of the project may have social and economic impacts on
the developer and others associated with the project. However, it is not
planned that the review process will prevent the ultimate development of
Wyoming's Compact-apportioned water.
8-45
-------
Chapter 9
CONTROLS FOR EUTROPHiCATlON
Phosphorus has been identified in this study as the major cause of eutrophica-
tion in the study area's reservoirs. This chapter describes the reductions
needed in phosphorus loads and the control measures available. A recommended
plan to manage eutrophication will be developed and described in Chapter 11
from the information given here.
PHOSPHORUS LOADING COALS FOR FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
Figure 2-5 showed the strong correlation between phosphorus levels and
water transparencies for the reservoirs in the study area. The two curved
lines on that figure enclose 95 percent of the data points and include all
reservoirs except Viva Naughton Reservoir. Because some other factor
besides phosphorus must be influencing transparency in Viva Naughton, this
reservoir is not discussed further here.
Figure 2-5 is reproduced on Figure 9-1. As shown on Figure 9-1, there is
no direct relationship between phosphorus and transparency levels below
phosphorus levels of 30 mg/l, and therefore reducing phosphorus below that
level may not mean an improvement in transparency. The phosphorus levels
below 0.030 mg/I were recorded in lower Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Palisades
Reservoir, and Bear Lake. Above phosphorus levels of 0.080 mg/l in the
surface waters, reducing phosphorus concentrations also does not seem to
improve transparency. Recognizable benefits can therefore be attained when
phosphorus levels are reduced in the range between 0.080 and 0.030 mg/l.
Water quality goals related to trophic status are typically set in the
mesotrophic zone. This avoids the overabundance of aquatic vegetation and
algae growths associated with the eutrophic state, as well as the under-
productive conditions of the oligotrophic state. The mesotrophic zone
provides sufficient diversity of flora and fauna species so that adequate
food chains are present to support game fish. To achieve mesotrophic
conditions in the main body of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the phosphorus
levels in the reservoir's arms should be maintained at 0.030 to 0.080 mg/l.
Methodology
Two methods were used to define the phosphorus loadings which can produce
mesotrophic conditions, and therefore the desirable reductions from existing
loadings. Those two methods are described below.
Method 1: Vollenweider Loading Basis. Vollenweider has developed a method
for estimating desirable and critical phosphorus loadings to a lake or
9-1
-------
• ust
EUTROPHIC
• W2
•WI.W2
• ttS2
HcSOTROPHIC
•W2
WA fER OUALI TY
CRJ TfcRIOM
•F2
OL1GOTkOPM1c
• F6
FIGURE 9-1
PHOSPHORUS CRITERION RELATED
TO TROPHIC STATUS IN RESERVOIRS
LEGEND
BEAR LAKE
BIG SANDY RESERVOIR
FLAMING GORGE RtSERVOlH
PAL ISADES RESERVOIR
SEMINOE RESERVOIR
VIVA NAUf.HTON RESERVOIR
WOODRUFF NARROWS RESERVOIR
STATIONS ARE NUMBERED 1 THROUGH N STARTING AT
THE UPSTREAM STATION. THE SAME STATION MAY BE
LISTED MORE THAN ONCE BECAUSE IT WAS SAMPlEO
AT DIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE YEAR.
REGION BETWEEN LINES INCLUDES 95* OF DATA POINTS,
EXCLUDING THOSE FOR VIVA NAUGHTON RESERVOIR.
P3**P5
•F4 #F5 #P3
P2^S
F*F7.F8f
>2i9 a1
8I UP5
83
»B2
»P4
^nrwfg-
lOO 150
S£CCHI OISK TRANSPARENCY (>NC"fS)
nr
200
T*
?bO
Si in I
-------
reservoir. This method is based on information contained in literature on
phosphorus loadings, lake morphometry, and trophic conditions for many
lakes. The Vollenweider loading chart is shown on Figure 9-2. Mesotrophic
conditions are approximately represented by the area between the permissible
level and the desirable level.
Vollenweider loadings are shown for various reservoirs on Figure 9-2.
The data used for the plots come from EPA's draft report on eutrophication
in each reservoir. They represent estimated loading rates to each reservoir
in 1975. As shown in Chapter 5, phosphorus loadings during a particular
year may deviate considerably from the average, because annual phosphorus
loadings depend primarily on annual erosion rates, which vary significantly
according to the amount and intensity of rainfall in a particular year.
Therefore, the empirical estimate of the phosphorus loading rate to Flaming
Gorge Reservoir from Green River and Blacks Fork is also shown on Figure 9-2.
The empirical estimate is approximately three times greater than the 1975
loading rate.
The desirable loading rate reduction is shown on Figure 9-2 for Flaming
Gorge Reservoir. The reduction is based on EPA estimates of 1975 loadings
to the reservoir.
Method 2: Concentration Basis. Modeling of the Green River and Flaming
Gorge Reservoir has shown that at the present time the severity of an algal
bloom in a particular year is correlated with the phosphorus loadings to
the reservoir in that year (CH2M HILL, 1975). The phosphorus stored in the
reservoir from previous years does not seem to promote algal growth in the
reservoir at the present time. This condition may change in the future,
however, if the reservoir becomes more eutrophic.
The second method for determining permissible and desirable phosphorus
loadings is based on the conclusion stated above that the severity of an
algal bloom in a particular year may be correlated with the phosphorus
loading to the reservoir in that year. The loadings under this method have
been calculated by the following proportion:
1975 P loading _ Desirable or permissible P loading
1975 maximum P concentration ~ 0.030 mg/l or 0.080 mg/l
Desirable and Permissible Phosphorus Loadings
Desirable and permissible phosphorus loadings determined by each of the two
methods are shown for Flaming Gorge Reservoir on Table 9-1. The Vollen-
weider method has been used just for the main body of the reservoir, while
the concentration method has been used for the main body and the two arms.
A comparison of the two methods indicates that the concentration method
gives higher estimates for desirable and permissible loadings than does the
Vollenweider method.
The table shows that the desirable loading rate is exceeded in both arms
and the main body. In order to achieve desirable conditions, existing
9-3
-------
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Table 9-1
DESIRABLE AND PERMISSIBLE PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS TO FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR
(tons/year)
Body of Water
Main Body, Flaming
Gorge Reservoir
(Vollenweider
Method)
Empirical
Loading
195W
Desirable
Loading
60
Reduction
to Reach
Desirable
Level
Reduction
to Reach
Permissible Permissible
Loading
Level
135 (70%)
115
80(40%)
Main Body, Flaming
Gorge Reservoir
(Concentration
Method)
195^)
95
100 (50%)
252
0( 0%)
Green River Arm
(Concentration
Method)
326(2)
33
293 (90%)
87
239 (75%)
Blacks Fork Arm
(Concentration
Method)
249
(2)
13
236 (95%)
34
215(85%)
(1) From Table 5-14.
(2) From Table 5-12.
-------
loadings to the main body would have to be reduced by 50 to 70 percent, to
the Green River Arm by 90 percent, and to the Blacks Fork Arm by 95 percent.
The table also shows that the permissible loading rate is exceeded in both
arms. In order to achieve permissible conditions, existing loadings to the
Green River Arm would have to be reduced by 75 percent and to the Blacks
Fork Arm by 85 percent.
Finally, the table shows that the main body of the reservoir is in a permis-
sible condition according to the concentration method. A word of caution
is necessary here, however, The phosphorus concentrations in the two arms
average approximately 0.060 mg/l. As conditions become progressively more
eutrophic in the two arms, phosphorus concentrations will rise because of a
release of phosphorus stored from previous years in the bottom muds.
Higher phosphorus concentrations in the arms will produce higher loadings
from the arms to the main body of the reservoir. Therefore, maintenance of
existing phosphorus loadings to the reservoir arms probably cannot maintain
the existing permissible conditions in the main body of the reservoir.
CONTROL MEASURES FOR PHOSPHORUS AND EUTROPHICATION
Various optional ways to control either phosphorus levels or eutrophication
are available. The goal is to reduce the algae in the reservoirs. Con-
trolling phosphorus reduces the cause, while working on the algae treats
the symptoms of eutrophication.
Twelve options for management of phosphorus are discussed in the material
that follows. In each case, there is a discussion of what the control is
specifically directed to, its costs and benefits, how effective it might
be, who should carry it out, and what its environmental and social impacts
are. An outline format similar to Chapter 8 is used consistently. The
12 controls that are discussed are listed on Table 9-2. There is no specific
reason for the order given.
Each option has been developed to address the phosphorus problems listed on
Table 3-8 and one or more of the principal phosphorus sources listed on
Table 5-13, The relationship between phosphorus sources and management
options is shown on Table 9-3.
Five of the options listed on Table 9-2 are directed at the control of
geologic or accelerated erosion. These options have a sacondary benefit in
that they can reduce suspended solids concentrations in the streams as well
as phosphorus loadings to the reservoir.
9-6
-------
Table 9-2
WAYS TO MANAGE EUTROPHICATION CAUSES AND EFFECTS
1. Phosphorus reductions in point source discharges.
2. Institution of range management actions designed to reduce erosion
in Lower Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek.
3. Construction of channel modifications in Middle and Lower Bitter Creek
and tributaries to reduce erosion.
4. Construction of channel improvements and sedimentation ponds in
Upper Bitter Creek, Muddy Creek, and Little Muddy Creek to reduce
erosion.
5. Treatment of reservoirs with algicides, aium, or fly ash.
6. Erosion and manure control for ail agricultural activities.
7. Erosion control for all construction and mining activities.
8. Consideration of future water quality impacts of proposed water
resource development.
9. A study of eutrophication in Palisades Reservoir on a basin basis.
10. Conversion to nonphosphate detergents where a discharge to ground
or surface water may result.
11. Phosphorus standards in Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
12. No action.
9-7
-------
Table 9-3
PRINCIPAL PHOSPHORUS SOURCES AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Source Location
Management Option
Municipal Wastewater Discharges
Geologic Erosion
Overgrazing and Manure Runoff
Rock Springs 1, 5, 10, 11
Green River
Kemmerer-Diamondville
Granger
Fort Bridger
Lyman
Mountain View
Lower Muddy Creek Reach 3, 4, 5, 11
Little Muddy Creek Reach
Church Butte-Blacks Fork Reach
Killpecker Creek
Jack Morrow Creek
Lower Muddy Creek Reach 2, 4, 5, 6, 11
Little Muddy Creek Reach
Church Butte-Blacks Fork Reach
Killpecker Creek
Upper Bitter Creek Reach
Salt Wells Creek
Lower Big Sandy River Reach
Channelization
Bitter Creek
Muddy Creek
3, 4, 5, 11
-------
OPTION 1
REDUCE POINT SOURCE PHOSPHORUS DISCHARGES
PROBLEM STATEMENT
About 11 percent of the phosphorus reaching the two arms of Flaming Gorge
Reservoir enters the streams through discharge from municipal treatment
facilities. About half this phosphorus is of fecal origin and the other
half is from the use of detergents containing phosphates.
At present there is no requirement for treatment for phosphorus removal in
wastewater discharges in the study area.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The requirement could be established that all wastewater treatment facil-
ities, whether municipal or industrial, having a discharge permit must be
required to reduce phosphorus to 2 mg/l in their discharges. An effluent
concentration of 2 mg/l is attainable by alum or lime addition to the
secondary process. This effluent limitation would apply to all discharges,
regardless of their locations.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
For the Flaming Gorge Reservoir system and its tributaries, the total phos-
phorus loading from point sources is about 66 tons per year. A reduction
to 2 mg/l in the effluent by additional processes of treatment facilities
is estimated to reduce the total loading by about 53 tons per year.
EXPECTED COST
The costs of this option are the capital and annual operation and maintenance
costs involved with adding chemical treatment processes at each of the
treatment facilities. Unit costs are given on Figure 9-3 for initial
capital costs and total annual costs, and the costs estimated for individual
treatment facilities in the study area are summarized on Table 9-4.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The benefits of phosphate reduction would accrue to the recreational users
of the area's surface waters and to the tourist industry.
WHO PAYS
The capital cost for adding the necessary treatment facilities would be
grant eligible since they are required for water quality considerations.
The taxpayers at large would pay for a major portion of the cost with the
local taxpayers picking up the remaining share. Annual operating expenses
would be borne by the users of the sewer system.
9-9
-------
1000
500
ro
o
X
I-
o
u
100
50
10.
0 . 1
¦¦
of
f
c°;
?
y
*
* oV
*
a4
4*
*
~ ]
/
y
* ,
* /
0.5 1.0 5.0
AVERAGE DAILY FLOW (MGD)
10 . 0
FIGURE 9-3
COST FOR PHOSPHORUS
REMOVAL FROM
POINT SOURCES
CH2M
"HILL
-------
Table 9-4
COSTS OF POINT SOURCE PHOSPHORUS CONTROL
Facility ^
Rock Springs
Green River
Jamestown-Rio
Vista
South Superior
Granger
Kemmerer-
Diamondville
Bridger Valley
Total
Existing Average
Daily Flow
(mgd)
1.5
0.7
0.1
0.06
0.04
0.7
0.4
Design Flow
(Year 2000)
(mgd)
3.0
1.2
0.1
0.2
0.1
1.0
0.7
Initial
Capital Cost
$160,000
85, 000
15,000
17,000
15,000
75,000
58,000
$425,000
Annual
Total Cost
$280,000
120,000
10,000
12,000
10,000
100,000
70,000
$602,000
(
(1) It is assumed that smaller municipal dischargers will join into the larger districts.
(2) Sum of annual operation and maintenance costs and amortized capital costs (20 years)
-------
WHO ACTS
The Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA) or
other designated 208 planning agency would be responsible for recommending
to the State that a phosphorus standard be applied to the discharges in the
208 planning area. The State Department of Environmental Quality has the
responsibility for making the official action and for administering it.
Monitoring of effluent levels of phosphorus would be done along with the
continuous monitoring program for ail treatment facilities. EPA could act
in the funding capacity for construction grants, and the State would admin-
ister the construction grant program as it now does for the wastewater
treatment facilities as a whole. Individual municipalities would be respon-
sible for carrying out the planning, design, and construction of their own
independent facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The general environmental impacts associated with phosphorus reductions
would apply to this action.
Adding a chemical treatment process to each treatment facility could require
additional land to be occupied at the treatment site and may require addi-
tional considerations for the chemical sludges generated by the process.
Treating phosphorus in municipal discharges would result in a long-term
commitment to use the chemicals involved and to carry out the process.
There are no outstanding social impacts of this action.
9-12
-------
OPTION 2
RANGE MANAGEMENT
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Erosion was Identified in Chapter 5 as the major source of phosphorus to
Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Erosion control can lead to a reduction of the
phosphorus loading to the reservoir. One option for erosion control is
management of the range to prevent overgrazing and loss of vegetation which
protects against erosion.
Four reaches tributary to Flaming Gorge Reservoir have high phosphorus
loading rates and generally poor range conditions (see Table 5-9). These
are Lower Muddy Creek, Little Muddy Creek, the Church Butte reach of Blacks
Fork, and Killpecker Creek. A reasonable explanation for the poor range
conditions in these reaches is overgrazing. These four reaches are probably
the areas where grazing management can have the greatest effect on phos-
phorus loadings to the reservoir. Present phosphorus loadings from erosion
in these reaches totals an estimated W tons per year, which is 38 percent
of the estimated loading from all sources to the reservoir in 1976.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
^formation presented in Chapter 5 suggests that overgrazing may
significantly increase erosion rates and phosphorus loadings in the study
a"*- Many assumptions had to be made to quantify phosphorus loadings
attributable to grazing. These assumptions should be tested through site-
specific studies and demonstration projects before widespread arazino
con rols are instituted, particularly in light of the significant economic
ana social impacts those controls may have on local ranchers.
S2ver®'altlernat,yes °r combinations of alternatives for range management
should be investigated in future studies and demonstration projects in the
study area. These include temporary fencing off of sections of the stream
pumping water from streams to watering holes away from the highly erosive
areas, widow seeding to produce a riparian habitat, and deferred grazing.
The impact of wild animals on erosion rates should also be investigated
closely. Reduction in the number of wild animals in the Green River Basin
may not significantly decrease vegetative cover, because approximately 90
percent of the wild animals are browsers rather than grazers. Jn contrast
cattle and sheep are grazers and can have a major impact on vegetative
cover in the area. However, while wtld animals may have a relatively small
effect on vegetative cover, they may significantly increase erosion by
trampling and compacting the soil.
Management options have been analyzed on a reach-by-reach basis In this
case, where four alternatives appear possible in the four critical reaches
further studies should be Initiated to pinpoint which of the alternatives '
f any, is best for specific locations within a reach. These studies could
take the form of environmental statements on grazing.
9-13
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EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Land in the four reaches with poor grazing conditions and moderate to heavy
erosion rates averages approximately 40 percent vegetative cover. Most of
the remainder of the Green River watershed averages 60 percent cover or
better, even though the climate is arid. Decreases in erosion and phos-
phorus loading rates due to range management have been estimated from the
Universal Soil Loss equation assuming an increase in cover from 40 percent
to 60 percent. This assumption should be examined for specific areas in
the environmental statements on grazing.
Erosion rates are estimated to decrease by 55 percent if cover is increased
from 40 percent to 60 percent. The estimated reductions in erosion corre-
spond to the phosphorus reductions listed below:
¦ Killpecker Creek, 6 tons per year
¦ Lower Muddy Creek, 19 tons per year
a Little Muddy Creek, 45 tons per year
a Church Butte reach of Blacks Fork, 10 tons per year
EXPECTED COST
A study should be initiated on the feasibilities of the four alternatives
for the Lower Muddy Creek reach and the Little Muddy Creek reach. A pro-
posal has been submitted by BLM for a grazing environmental statement in
these reaches; an estimate of the cost of this study has not been made yet.
The estimated additional costs to bring water quality considerations into
the study is $25,000 to $60,000. It is difficult to anticipate the results
of this study, and therefore difficult to estimate the expected costs of
control measures. However, the alternatives are described below in order
to indicate the amount of effort needed to control erosion and the magni-
tude of costs to be expected.
The length of Muddy Creek in the Lower Muddy Creek reach is approximately
30 miles, and the length of Little Muddy Creek and Albert Creek is approxi-
mately 110 miles. To fence off both reaches section by section would cost
approximately $600,000. Fencing would be required in order to establish a
riparian habitat of willows or other phreatophytes or in order to prevent
cattle and sheep from reaching the streambed. It would also support the
alternative of watering holes by forcing animals to water at the holes
rather than directly from the streams. Therefore, fencing would be used
under three of the four alternatives.
Pumping of water to watering holes could probably be accomplished most
inexpensively by windmills. Winds are generally strong and consistent
during the high flow period in spring when most of the pumping would be
done. A windmill arrangement is estimated to cost approximately $12,000 if
it had to pump up to 0.25 mile from the stream, or $5,000 if a well were
used. Some cost elements are as follows: mill and tower, $1,650; feed
line (from stream), $8,000; well (as option), $1, 000 to $2,000; miscella-
neous and labor, $2,350. It is estimated that up to 50 windmills could be
needed along the Lower Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek reaches. There-
fore, capital costs are estimated at $250,000 to $600, 000. Annual operation
and maintenance costs are estimated at 10 percent of those figures, or
$25, 000 to $60, 000 per year.
-------
Willow seeding is a relatively insignificant cost. However, small dams or
drop structures would have to be built in order to slow stream velocities
and create the proper environment for a riparian habitat. The stream
gradient in either reach is not particularly steep. For example, in the
Lower Muddy Creek reach, the gradient averages approximately 15 feet per
mile. Costs from dams or drop structures are not estimated at this time
because of a lack of adequate information.
Reduction in the number of grazing permits could have a detrimental economic
impact on ranchers. The economic impact is difficult to assess accurately,
however.
A cost estimate has been made for a typical project. This project would
include fencing off the most critical erosion areas and pumping water to
watering holes. The approximate annual cost over a 20-year period is
$125,000. Further studies should be made to estimate more accurately the
cost of the alternatives in the critical reaches.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
People who use Flaming Gorge Reservoir for recreational purposes would
benefit from a reduction in algal growth. Those services related to recrea-
tional activities, such as gasoline stations and restaurants, would also
benefit from good water quality in the reservoir. In addition, fisheries
would benefit from a reduction in suspended solids. Finally, a decrease in
erosion would extend the life of the reservoir; these benefits are probably
relatively small, however, because they occur far into the future and are
therefore discounted heavily.
WHO PAYS
The direct cost of this option is a grazing study in the Muddy Creek and
Little Muddy Creek drainages. The costs of this study would be borne by
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM has already funded an environ-
mental statement on grazing for the Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek
drainages. Additional funds and manpower will be needed in order to get
results from this study which will be useful for future water quality
management.
A possible source of additional funds is the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), which has been authorized Federal funds through Section
30Mk) of Public Law 95-12 (the 1977 Clean Water Act) to implement measures
recommended in approved 208 plans. The BLM study and related demonstration
projects may qualify for these funds because of the apparent importance of
overgrazing to erosion and phosphorus loadings in the study area.
The selected range management alternatives and distribution of costs should
be a product of the environmental statement process. Several possibilities
of cost distributions which should be considered in the BLM study are
presented below.
9-15
-------
BLM and Union Pacific administer most of the land in the Killpecker Creek,
Little Muddy Creek, and Lower Muddy Creek drainages. The extent of the
"checkerboard" pattern within the study area is shown on Figure 9-4. In
the area shaded on the figure, there are alternating sections of Union
Pacific and public land. Therefore, this option would involve not only
public agencies, but also Union Pacific, and costs may be incurred by both.
An alternative means of financing this option is to place the cost burdens
on those who benefit from the use of the reservoir. Costs of Flaming Gorge
Dam and Reservoir are allocated according to estimated benefits on Table 9-5.
The users with major benefits are power generation, recreation, and irriga-
tion. A scheme for allocating phosphorus control costs to each of these
user groups is presented below.
The major beneficiary is power generation. The power plant at the reservoir
is under the control of the Bureau of Reclamation. Revenues from the power
plant go into the Upper Basin Fund for repayment of the dam and reservoir
facilities, for operation and maintenance of the power plant, and for
funding of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project. Funding for
the project is authorized by the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act
(PL 93-230). Three and three-quarters percent of the total budget for the
project comes from the Upper Basin Fund.
A funding process to pay for eutrophication controls could be set up parallel
to that for salinity control. Control of eutrophication in Flaming Gorge
Reservoir may be necessary in order to meet the interim goal of PL 92-500
of fishable/swimrnable waters by 1983. Expenditures for recreation, fish,
and wildlife are authorized under Section 8 of the Colorado River Storage
Project Act (PL 84-435). Erosion control projects may fall under that
section since they can help preserve the reservoir for the stated uses. If
that section of the law does not apply, Congress could pass a Flaming Gorge
Reservoir Eutrophication Control Act, which would be the equivalent of the
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act (PL 93-320) and which would
authorize the use of Upper Basin Funds for erosion control projects.
Additional revenues from higher power rates and additional Federal appro-
priations to the Bureau of Reclamation could go into the fund to pay for
the erosion control projects.
A second major user group of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the recreationalist.
This group is presently being charged for overnight camping in the Flaming
Gorge National Recreation Area. This action is authorized under PL 90-540,
which is the enabling act for Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and PL 93-303, which
is the Land and Water Conservation Act. The collected fees can be used for
development and administration of the recreation area's facilities.
In order to make recreationalists pay for erosion control projects, two
amendments would have to be added to PL 90-540, Under one amendment,
additional funds would be generated by charging users fees for boat launching
or picnic use and for charging entrance fees into the recreation area. The
second amendment would allow funds to be used for erosion control projects.
At present, funds can be used only for development and administration of
the recreation area's facilities.
9-16
-------
Table 9-5
ALLOCATION OF COSTS, FLAMING GORGE UNIT
Cost Allocation ^
Use ($1 OOP's)
Power $44, 437 ( 57%)
Irrigation 16,662 ( 22%)
Recreation, fish, and wildlife 16,395 ( 21%)
Other 225( 0%)
Total Cost through June 30, 1976 $77,719(100%)
(1) Bureau of Reclamation. 1976. Twentieth annual report, Colorado River
Storage Project and participating projects, fiscal year 1976.
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The final user group is irrigators. Although no irrigation rights presently
exist for the storage of water in Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the mechanism is
available for charges for storage under the Colorado River Storage Project
Act (PL 84-485) . Revenues would go into the Upper Basin Fund and may be
able to be used for erosion control projects.
WHO ACTS
The recommended initial action is a grazing environmental statement by BLM
on Lower Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek. This study has been authorized
and funded by BLM and is scheduled for completion in 1981 or 1982. The
ongoing 208 agency in the area, the Wyoming Department of Environmental
Quality, and EPA should monitor the progress of the study, be available as
technical advisors, and encourage an emphasis on water quality management.
The results from the environmental statement on grazing in the Little Muddy
and Muddy Creek drainages should be useful for defining the feasibility of
range management in certain ether critical areas. These areas include the
Church Butte reach of Blacks Fork, Killpecker Creek, Salt Wells Creek, the
Upper Bitter Creek reach, and the Lower Big Sandy River reach.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The BLM study itself would have no environmental or social impacts. Manage-
ment alternatives proposed in the study may have significant environmental
or social impacts; these would be addressed in th3t study.
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OPTION 3
CHANNEL MODIFICATIONS IN MIDDLE AND LOWER BITTER CREEK
TO CONTROL ACCELERATED EROSION
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Middle and Lower Bitter Creek reaches are not in areas of moderate or
heavy geologic erosion rates (see Figure 5-10). However, a rapidly deepening
stream channel and sloughing banks are visual indicators that severe verti-
cal erosion is occurring in these reaches. Furthermore, suspended solids
concentrations as high as 43, 600 mg/l have been recorded in these reaches.
These suspended solids loadings are one of the factors for fisheries use
impairment in the Lower Green River reach.
These two reaches contain the most concentrated human activity in the study
area. The naturally meandering stream is pinched between the Union Pacific
Railroad, Interstate 80, and Rock Springs urban development. Channel
straightening has been a common practice where meanders in the river have
endangered structures or private property. When channels are straightened,
stream velocities are increased and vertical erosion can take place. This
vertical erosion also encourages sloughing from the banks. The increased
flow velocities may also have contributed to flood problems in Rock Springs.
According to the Type IV study for the Green River Basin, annual flood
damages attributed to Bitter Creek amount to $37,000.
There appears to be a serious accelerated erosion problem in the Middle and
Lower Bitter Creek reaches due to channelization. With the growth of the
Rock Springs area, this problem is likely to become even worse in the
future. Undeveloped property along the creek below Rock Springs is presently
being offered for development.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The specific action is to carry out the necessary feasibility and predesign
studies for channel stabilization using approaches such as construction of
drop structures in the channel, channel bank protection, or channel reshaping.
Drop structures are small dams or weirs placed at intervals in the stream
to create a flatter gradient and to provide scour and erosion protection
where the stored-up head is lost. Channel reshaping requires resloping
banks so they are less easily eroded. Bank protection can be provided by
riprap. The required study should determine the economic feasibility of
using such approaches and should determine how many drop structures would
be needed along the approximately 25 miles of stream in the Middle and
Lower Bitter Creek reaches. The study should also look at the environ-
mental impacts of each alternative. The study would include both the
Middle and Lower Bitter Creek reaches, as well as all tributaries to them.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Phosphorus loadings from geologic erosion in these two reaches were esti-
mated empirically in Chapter 5. This source was estimated to contribute
only 46 tons of phosphorus per year to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which is
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less than 10 percent cf the empirically estimated total loading to the
reservoir. However, accelerated erosion due to channelization in these two
reaches is also contributing phosphorus and sediment to the creek. The
importance of this source is visually apparent but unquantifiable.
Better water quality monitoring in these two reaches can give a more precise
measurement of the loadings from geologic and accelerated erosion. This
monitoring should be a part of the feasibility study. For the purposes of
this report, control of erosion in these reaches is assumed to reduce
phosphorus loadings by as much as 46 tons per year. This value may be an
underestimate because of the lack of information on loadings from accelerated
erosion.
EXPECTED COST
Costs of this option are divided Into two categories: the estimated cost
for carrying out the necessary studies and the actual design and construction
costs for channel modifications.
The cost for doing the studies could range from $20,000 to $200,000, depend-
ing upon the level at which the studies were carried out.
Costs for the drop structures themselves are estimated at about $3, 000 each,
assuming a 30-foot wide channel and a 5-foot drop per structure. Up to 100
such structures could be used in this project area. There are no antici-
pated annual 06M costs for this option.
Channel reshaping and bank protection is estimated at $128,000 per mile,
based on a generalized channel cross section 30 feet wide and 20 feet deep,
with 1-to-5 foot flow depth. If channel banks were reshaped to 1: 1 slope
with riprap on 2: 1 slope for 5-foot flow depth, the above unit cost would
apply. If 50 miles of channel were modified, the capital cost would be
about $6.4 million. Annual OSM costs are estimated at 2.5 percent of the
capital cost, or $160,000 per year. The annual cost over a 20-year period
is $758,000 (assuming a 6-7/8 percent interest rate).
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Recreational users of the surface waters would benefit from reduced phos-
phorus levels and algae levels in the reservoirs, as would those who are in
business associated with tourism and recreation. Property owners along
Bitter Creek in the project area would benefit from increased channel
stability and the lessened danger of bank erosion. In addition, with
proper flood control modifications, benefits of up to $37, 000 per year
could be realized.
WHO PAYS
The costs of the feasibility studies may be financed through continuing 208
grants. It is assumed the BLM would not have the funds to do feasibility
studies in the Bitter Creek drainage because of its efforts in the Muddy
Creek drainage.
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Those who may have causedlocal erosion through channel straightening in
Middle and Lower Bitter Creek are Union Pacific Railroad, highway developers,
and private developers. It is unlikely that any of these interests could
be made accountable for previous erosion because none of them violated any
erosion control laws and because previous water quality monitoring has not
been adequate to allocate erosion loads to the various interests in the
area. As an alternative, the costs associated with the design and con-
struction of control structures could be paid for by those who benefit in a
manner similar to that presented in the previous option.
WHO ACTS
The designated 208 agency could subcontract the feasibility study to BLM,
DEQ, or a private consulting firm. The study could determine who should
carry out the design and construction. Permits for any control structures
would have to be obtained from the Corps of Engineers through the Dredge-
and-Fill Permits Program (Section 404 of PL 92-500).
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
An environmental impact of this measure would be the reduction of phosphorus
and consequent reduction of algae in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir system.
Another positive environmental impact is the benefit to the stream corridor
due to increased channel stability. Reduced erosion would result, and
there would be less loss of land. A final benefit that could be built into
this option is flood control for the Rock Springs area.
The Middle and Lower Bitter Creek reaches lie in a region of Mancos-type
shales. Any projects which tend to increase ground water flows have the
potential to significantly increase salinity. Flow detention basins may
increase ground water flows through seepage. The salinity impacts of any
action in these two reaches should be carefully investigated.
A social impact of this option is the need to involve a Federal agency
(BLM) and the Union Pacific Railroad to jointly carry out the cooperative
action. Union Pacific is involved because of the alternating ownership of
land sections with BLM in much of the project area. With this ownership
pattern, many of the drop structures could be on Union Pacific land.
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OPTION 4
STRUCTURAL CONTROLS IN UPPER BITTER CREEK,
MUDDY CREEK, LITTLE MUDDY CREEK AND KILLPECKER CREEK
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Option 2 considered range management in Lower Muddy Creek and Little Muddy
Creek in order to controi the high production of sediments and high phos-
phorus loadings in the two reaches. The political difficulties with that
option were that it required range management and that only half of the
lands were in public ownership, with most of the rest owned by Union Pacific
Raiiorad.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The option provides an alternative to Option 2 that may be politically more
feasible. The difference is that this option is directed towards structural-
type work on public lands as opposed to revegetation and fencing on public
and private lands. This option considers the same reaches covered in
Option 2, namely Lower Muddy Creek, Little Muddy Creek and Killpecker
Creek. In addition, this option covers Upper Bitter Creek, where over-
grazing is not a problem but where high production of sediments and high
loadings of phosphorus occur.
This option requires feasibility studies on structural-type channel improve-
ments for the slowing of erosion and off-line sedimentation ponds for the
removal of sediment loads from the creeks.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
All reaches are in areas of moderate to heavy geologic erosion (see Figure 5-10).
Therefore, erosion control is likely to produce significant reductions in
sediment and phosphorus loads carried by the creeks in these areas. Empir-
ical estimates of phosphorus loadings generated by general erosion show
that erosion control can reduce phosphorus loadings from Upper Bitter Creek
by as much as 70 tons per year and from Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek
by as much as 121 tons per year.
Accelerated erosion is also occurring in Upper Bitter Creek and Lower Muddy
Creek due to channelization. The railroad runs along much of Upper Bitter
Creek and Lower Muddy Creek. Channelization has taken place in these
reaches in order to protect the railroad bed from meanders in the two
creeks. Accelerated vertical erosion and bank sloughing are caused by
channelization in the study area. However, the impact of accelerated
erosion on sediment and phosphorus loads in the two raaches is difficult to
assess because of the lack of adequate water quality information.
EXPECTED COST
The costs of the structural controls would be determined as part of the
feasibility studies. The cost of doing the studies for Upper Bitter Creek
could range from $50, 000 to $1 50,000, depending upon the degree of detail
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with which the study was done. If dams were part of the study, the cost
would likely be higher due to the increased engineering investigations
needed for dam sites. The study in the Little Muddy and Lower Muddy drainage
would be included in the grazing environmental statement planned by BLM.
No cost estimates have been made yet for that study.
Construction costs could be in the range of $800,000 for up to 100 drop
structures to several million dollars with dams or extensive channel
modifications.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Those who benefit are those who use surface waters in the area for recrea-
tional purposes and those who are in business associated with recreation
and tourism. Additional benefits may be gained for fisheries, which show
use impairment due to high suspended solids concentrations in all three
reaches considered under this option.
WHO PAYS
BLM would pay for the feasibility study in the Lower Muddy and Little
Muddy. The funds for the feasibility study in Upper Bitter Creek would
come out of the continuing 208 program. A means of financing the design
and construction of the control structures is presented under Option 2.
WHO ACTS
BLM would carry out this option in the Lower Muddy and Little Muddy areas
through the grazing environmental statement. The designated 208 agency
would carry out the option in Upper Bitter Creek. If SWWQPA does not
continue after the completion of this plan, either DEQ or the Wyoming
Conservation Commission could take over the Upper Bitter Creek study.
Technical assistance could be provided by SCS, BLM, and other agencies.
Permits for any structural controls would have to be obtained from the
Corps of Engineers through the Dredge-end-Fill Program (Section 404 of
PL 92-500).
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
There would be no impacts associated with the study itself, but the environ-
mental impacts of the structural actions that could result would be those
involved with construction of various facilities. As noted for the pre-
vious option, any projects which increase ground water flows may also
increase salinity. The salinity impacts of any action should be carefully
investigated.
The beneficial impacts would be reduced algae production in the Flaming
Gorge Reservoir system and increased channel stability in the upper part of
the basin involved.
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A social impact would include the need to involve Union Pacific Railroad
along with the Federal agency carrying out the necessary studies, since the
railroad owns much land in both areas.
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OPTION 5
IN-LAKE MANAGEMENT
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Excessive algal growth is causing use impairment on several reservoirs in
the study area. The prominent example is Flaming Gorge Reservoir, where
eutrophication may have caused detrimental changes in fish populations and
where it has clogged waters and impaired recreational activities. Serious
algal problems have also occurred in Woodruff Narrows Reservoir, where
in-lake management techniques have been used in an attempt to alleviate the
water quality problems. As shown on Figure 9-1, phosphorus concentrations
in every reservoir in the study area exceeded the recommended water quality
criterion. Therefore, the potential exists for undesirable algal growth in
all reservoirs in the study. Only in Bear Lake, which lies just to the
west of the study area and which receives inflow from the Bear River, are
phosphorus concentrations in the surface water less than the criterion.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The management alternatives discussed under this option would promise only
short-term effects. However, they can provide a temporary reduction in
algal populations and make a reservoir usable while phosphorus control
techniques with long-term effects are being implemented. Because of the
cost and potential environmental impacts, this option should be restricted
to reservoirs with high recreational use and severe algal problems. The
only reservoir to qualify under these conditions is Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
A series of small demonstration projects are recommended before any large-scale
in-lake management program is initiated in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. As
noted in the last section of this option, the environmental impacts of such
a program are uncertain, but potentially severe. These potential impacts
would have to be investigated in detail in an environmental impact statement
before an in-lake management program would be allowed to take place.
In-reservoir management would be aimed at controlling excessive blooms of
planktonic algae, the free-floating algae which clog up the surface waters
of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Few alternatives have been tested for control
of planktonic algae in a large water body such as Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Alum has been used successfully for nutrient deactivation and copper sulfate
has been used successfully as an algal toxin in some lakes. Fly ash has
been tested on several small Indiana lakes and has also successfully
removed phosphorus from the water.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Alum treatment or fly ash treatment can remove phosphorus from the surface
waters and make it unavailable for algal growth. Alum can quantitatively
remove inorganic phosphorus, and therefore phosphorus concentrations can be
reduced below the criterion if alum is applied when most of the phosphorus
is in the inorganic state. This condition will probably occur in early
spring before much algal growth has taken place. The removal capabilities
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of the fly ash depend on its chemical content and can be predicted only
from bench tests.
Alum has the capability of binding the phosphorus up in the bottom muds
forever. Phosphorus once removed by alum should not return to the waters
except under unusual conditions of pH. Alum has been used effectively for
removing phosphorus from wastewater and from small lakes.
Copper sulfate does not remove phosphorus from a lake system. It is an
algacide which causes algae to break up and sink. Phosphorus is released
from the dead algae and is available for uptake during future blooms. The
reason for using an algicide is to destroy the immediate algal bloom, and
not to prevent future ones.
Treatment by any of the three materials is directed at the symptoms rather
than the causes of eutrophication. The most important cause is a high
phosphorus loading to Flaming Gorge Reservoir from the tributaries. None
of the treatment alternatives affects these phosphorus loadings to the
reservoir.
EXPECTED COST
Assuming an area of about 300 acres is treated during the demonstration
projects (about 2 percent of the reservoir surface), the cost would be
about $1 63, 000 per year. This breaks down as follows: manpower and barges,
$40,000; alum, $120, 000; copper sulfate, $3,000. The estimate is based on
applying alum in spring to precipitate phosphorus and copper sulfate in
fall to kill algae when blooms occur. The alum dose rate is 0. 5 dry ton
per acre. Additional expenses for transportation, water quality monitoring,
bio assays, and data analysis could bring study costs to $250, 000-300, 000 per
year.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
People who use Flaming Gorge Reservoir for recreational purposes would
benefit from a reduction in algal weed growth. Services associated with
recreational activities would also benefit.
WHO PAYS
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is located in a national recreation area. Therefore,
the costs of treatment would probably be borne by the Federal Government.
Some funding may be available through the "Clean Lakes" program, as provided
by Section 314 of Public Law 92-500.
WHO ACTS
Action would be initiated by the U.S. Forest Service, the agency supervising
the Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area. Assistance on in-lake treat-
ment could be obtained from Environmental Protection Agency staff who have
extensive experience in the field.
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Because of the abundance of fly ash from the two power plants and coal-
burning industries in the area, the Environmental Protection Agency should
initiate a project on the feasibility of using the ash for phosphorus
deactivation in the reservoir. This study could possibly be included in
the "Clean Lakes" program.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
Addition of alum, fly ash, or copper sulfate would increase salinity in the
reservoir. The increase would be slight if treatment is applied only to
the areas of concentrated algal growth in the Blacks Fork and Green River
Arms. However, if phosphorus loadings to the reservoir are not controlled,
areas of concentrated growth will expand, larger areas of treatment will be
necessary, and salinity increases will grow in importance. The magnitude
of the salinity increases from in-lake treatment could be estimated by EPA
after experiments involving water and algae from the reservoir.
Treatment would add undesirable chemical species to the water, such as
sulfate, copper, and other metals. The initial impact would occur in the
sediment, where metals may reach toxic concentrations and affect bottom
fauna and bottom feeders. The settled alum or fly ash floe would also
affect the bottom fauna and bottom feeders.
Areas with no dissolved oxygen are likely to spread in the reservoir if
treatment with copper sulfate is selected. Algae killed by copper sulfate
would decompose and consume oxygen. Anoxic conditions restrict habitat
availability for game fish and cause changes in bottom fauna.
Success with in-lake treatment can lead to the sometimes erroneous con-
clusion that the water quality problem has been solved, in many cases,
in-lake treatment has only delayed or weakly disguised the problem.
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OPTION 6
REQUIRE EROSION AND MANURE CONTROL FOR
FARMING AND RANCHING ACTIVITIES
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Within the study area, agriculture has appeared to reduce sediment and
phosphorus loadings. In areas where there is a lack of natural vegetation
to stabilize the moderate to highly erodible soils, hay has been noted to
have an excellent capability to stabilize these soils. Furthermore, chemical
fertilizers are not widely used in the study area. The major application
of phosphorus to irrigated lands is through manure. In Chapter 5, manure
was estimated to contribute 11 percent of the empirical phosphorus load
generated in the Green River Basin.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Erosion control is estimated to have a small effect on sediment and phos-
phorus loading reductions to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. However, It can
correct erosion problems on individual farms which can cost individual
farmers considerable time and money. Unclogging of ditches and canals is a
regular activity in many parts of the study area.
This 203 program has not been designed to address issues on the level of
the individual farmer. The needs of the individual farmer can be identified
through the conservation needs program conducted by the local conservation
districts with the assistance of the SCS. The last Wyoming Conservation
Needs Inventory was published in June, 1970. It identified 109,600 acres
in the Green River Basin in Sublette County and the study area and 33, 300
acres in the Blacks Fork Basin with erosion damages and with potentially
feasible control programs. A new conservation needs inventory should be
published soon to indicate the progress of conservation planning and to
Identify the critical areas or individual farms in the study area with
respect to erosion.
Manure runoff was found in Chapter 5 to be the third largest phosphorus
source to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Two ways of reducing phosphorus loadings
from manure runoff are either to reduce the number of animals through
grazing permit restrictions or to move animals away from the highly erodible
areas along streams. The first alternative would have severe economic and
social consequences. The second alternative Is probably more feasible,
although probably still difficult to implement. The actions associated
with this alternative have been covered under Option 2 for the Lower Muddy
and Little Muddy areas. The same actions would be used in other areas of
animal concentrations as listed on Table 9-3.
Manure storage facilities are not a viable alternative in the study area
because manure controls must be placed on range cattle and sheep. These
animals are generally not confined to small areas. Manure storage facilities
are more justifiable for dairy herds and feedlots,
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EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Implementation of conservation plans may reduce phosphorus loadings to
Flaming Gorge Reservoir from erosion by up to 3 tons per year and from
manure runoff by up to 65 tons per year.
EXPECTED COST
Costs for conservation planning would be borne by the individual farmers.
Technical assistance at no cost to the individual farmer can be received
from SCS. Costs for conservation planning have not been estimated in this
study.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The benefits from erosion control would be gained by individual farmers
through reduced time and money spent in cleaning irrigation ditches and
canals. Benefits from manure control may include reduced algal growth in
Flaming Gorge Reservoir and lower fecal coliform concentrations in the
area's streams.
WHO PAYS
Although costs would be borne by individual farmers, Federal cost-sharing
funds are available from the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service for erosion control. Continuous 208 planning may also be able to
provide funds for some of the capital costs of erosion control and manure
control.
WHO ACTS
Conservation planning is a voluntary program and therefore is initiated by
the individual farmers. The Wyoming State Conservation Commission has
been designated the statewide management agency for agricultural nonpoint
source pollution and would be the logical lead agency in the promotion of
the conservation needs program in the study area.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The environmental impacts of conservation planning are significant and
positive for the individual farmer. The social impacts are minimized
because of the voluntary nature of the conservation planning program.
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OPTION 7
REQUIRE EROSION CONTROL FOR ALL
CONSTRUCTION AND MINING ACTIVITIES
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Accelerated erosion was shown in Chapter 5 to be a likely cause of some
fisheries use impairment in the study area. However, its contribution to
phosphorus loadings to Flaming Gorge Reservoir appears to be small. In the
future, accelerated erosion from construction, recreational vehicle use,
and channelization is likely to increase because of the rapid growth
predicted for the area. Therefore, this is the proper time to clarify
existing erosion control ordinances and propose new ones, if needed.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The activities which have the potential to cause severe accelerated erosion
in the study area are mining and related activities, highway construction,
and residential and industrial building construction. All of these activities
are related to the expected boom in minerals and energy development in the
study area. This 208 Plan has borrowed extensively from the work done by
the Wyoming Highway Department, the Department of Environmental Quality,
and the Powder River Areawide Planning Organization (PRAPO) in order to
formulate a program to control future erosion from the activities listed
above.
A management framework for mining has been developed by PRAPO and the Water
Resources Research Institute (WRRi) in order to satisfy Section 208 of the
Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. The entire management plan and the
rationale for it are contained in a draft report, entitled "Water Quality
Determinations, Mined Lands Areas, Northeastern Wyoming," and a companion
document, "Assessment Report and Recommendations: PRAPO Planning Area."
In summary, the important points in the overall program for pollution
control in mining are given below:
¦ The establishment of sound data collection programs. These
programs should generate information which properly defines water
quality conditions and potentials at a proposed site.
¦ The site evaluation which attempts to define the pollution po-
tential of a site as well as an area's susceptibility to the
problem.
¦ The Water Resources Report. Prepared by the regulatory agencies
from information provided by the operators, this report publicly
presents an itemization of the important water resources/quality
factors for the given site. (This report would appear to be
unnecessary if an environmental impact statement were being
written.)
m The preparation of a pollution control plan by the operator which
addresses each of the potential sources of pollution identified
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in the Water Resources Report. This plan would be submitted with
the mining and reclamation plans and would be subject to the same
type of review and public input.
¦ The establishment of re-evaluation programs which generate specific
monitoring data to use in determining what alterations, if any,
are necessary to the mining, reclamation, and pollution control
plans.
It is recommended that the regulatory agencies evaluate this program.
The Wyoming Highway Department and the Department of Environmental Quality
are developing a management plan for control of erosion from construction.
The second draft of this plan is contained in Appendix C. It is recommended
that the parts of that plan appropriate to construction of homes, offices,
and industrial complexes be considered for adoption as part of the building
permits program. Of particular concern should be the control of impacts
caused by runoff increases and channelization.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Implementation of the management plans for mining and construction should
control future local erosion and mitigate the impacts on water quality of
future energy development in the study area. This management option is not
aimed so much at reduction in existing sediment and phosphorus loadings,
but a control of the considerably larger loadings predicted for the future.
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OPTION 8
REQUIRE CONSIDERATION OF WATER QUALITY
IMPACTS OF WATER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Common current practice is to make multiple use of water development projects.
In the past the impact of existing water quality on multiple use has often
been considered; but changes in water quality have often not been projected,
and these changes may be capable of eliminating one or more of the planned
uses. Even if those projections were made, the project may still have been
sold to the public without adequately describing potential future water
quality problems.
An example of a water qual ity problem that developed as a result of a water
resource development project is the eutrophication problem in Flaming Gorge
Reservoir. Enough information was available in the literature by the early
1960's to alert people to the potential for eutrophication in the reservoir.
Before construction, water quality monitoring should have been done to better
define this potential.
The construction of a dam and formation of a pool of water at the site of
Flaming Gorge Reservoir has resulted in the accumulation of phosphorus and
other nutrients to the level where water quality problems exist in the Green
River system that did not exist before. These water quality problems are
specifically the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. People have
become accustomed to using Flaming Gorge Reservoir for boating, water skiing,
fishing, and other recreational activities but are increasingly disturbed by
the deteriorating quality of water. Numerous people have complained about
the quantity and extent of algae blooms in the reservoir each summer and
people are commenting on the fact that it appears the algae is taking over
more and more of the reservoir from the upstream toward the downstream end.
Investigations in this 208 study have shown that phosphorus levels in the
reservoir system are probably not high enough to produce an algae problem in
a free-flowing stream, but are high enough to produce algae problems in a
reservoir.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The management action proposed under this option has nothing to do with
existing water development projects such as Flaming Corge Reservoir but is
directed toward future projects. The management action is to do adequate
studies of future water quality conditions prior to undertaking any water
resource development projects and to take necessary steps to reduce potential
problems where feasible, or at least to warn the public about the potential
for problems. An agency should be charged with the responsibility to carry
out a review of all projects. At the State level, the Interdepartmental
Water Conference (IDWC) is an excellent medium for the exchange of information
on both the quantity and quality of water considered for development.
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EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Reductions in phosphorus due to the above management action will depend on
the specific proposed projects. However, if the intent of this management
action is adhered to religiously, eutrophication problems can be avoided cr
overcome. The intent of this management action is not to reduce phosphorus
loadings to a particular reservoir, but to aid in the proper selection of a
location for any new reservoir which is projected to have substantial
recreational benefits. A suitable location is either where existing and
projected phosphorus loadings are below levels discussed at the beginning
of this chapter, or where phosphorus loadings originate primarily from
easily controllable point sources. Even if a water resource project is
developed that has the potential for water quality problems, at least the
people would have been warned.
EXPECTED COST
The expected cost for this management action can only be determined once
the proposed water resource development projects are identified.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Consideration of possible water quality impacts of developments may avoid
such problems as eutrophication. Where natural phosphorus levels are quite
high, there may be no way to avoid eutrophication except by not building
the water resource projects. For other areas, the public should be made
aware of the possibility for eutrophication, the expense for controlling
this problem, and the extent it can be controlled.
WHO PAYS
The financial source for this management option would depend on the proposed
projects.
WHO ACTS
Wyoming DEQ would be responsible for ensuring the proper evaluation of
future water quality conditions associated with any proposed water development
projects in the State. The State Engineer and/or the Wyoming Water Planning
Office would be directed to also evaluate water quality factors when the
project is presented to them.
If one of the evaluation criteria for a water resources development project
is the benefit-cost ratio, it must be assured that all costs of ensuring
the planned benefits against water quality impacts are included in the
calculation of the ratio. The transfer of water quality and water quantity
information needed to make a complete evaluation of a water resources
development project can be accomplished through the IDWC.
Federal facilities are now required to meet State water quality standards,
according to Section 313 of Public Law 92-500 and Executive Order 11752
from the EPA. Both DEQ and EPA could examine the water quality impacts of
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a new Federal project to see if the requirements of the executive order can
be met.
The construction of a water resources development project with severe water
quality impact can be blocked by EPA or the Corps of Engineers through the
dredge-and-fill permit process, Section 404 of the 1972 Clean Water Act
(PL 92-500) authorizes EPA to "prohibit the specification of any defined
areas as a disposal site" for dredged or fill material if "the discharge...
will have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies,
shellfish beds and fishery areas... (and) wildlife or recreational areas."
The Corps of Engineers must approve the dredge-and-fill permit.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The environmental implications of making a proper evaluation of future
water quality impacts would be possibly to reduce future eutrophic conditions
in reservoirs or to avoid building reservoirs that might become eutrophic.
However, not building the reservoir would eliminate the potential socioeconomic
benefits associated with recreational activities.
These tradeoffs involved in implementing a proposed project must be carefully
considered.
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OPTION 9
STUDY PHOSPHORUS CONTROL FOR
TRIBUTARIES TO PALISADES RESERVOIR
PROBLEM STATEMENT
In Chapter 5 of the draft Technical Report, the phosphorus situation with
regard to Palisades Reservoir and the Snake River tributaries was described.
Both this 208 and the Teton County 208 found that the water quality problem
lies in both 208 areas as well as in parts of Idaho. No one state or 208
agency seems to have total jurisdiction over all the tributaries to Palisades
Reservoir.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
As shown on Figure 9-1, the phosphorus loadings to Palisades Reservoir have
the potential for causing eutrophication in the reservoir. A study should
be undertaken specifically for Palisades Reservoir and its tributaries to
determine appropriate methods for controlling eutrophication in the reservoir.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The amount of potential phosphate reduction would be determined in the
study.
EXPECTED COST
The cost of performing a study of Palisades Reservoir could range from as
little as $20,000 for a fairly cursory examination to as much as $200, 000,
which would include very detailed modeling,
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The benefits associated with the study would be a potential reduction in
the eutrophic status of Palisades Reservoir. This reduction would benefit
the recreational users of the reservoir and the tourist industry.
WHO PAYS
The study would be paid for by the taxpayers of the United States, specifically
of the States of Wyoming and Idaho.
WHO ACTS
It is proposed that the study be done under the jursidlction of EPA since
It would require considering activities and streams located in both Wyoming
and Idaho, It is further recommended that both the States of Idaho and
Wyoming participate in the study and support L. Additionally, the Teton
County 208 and the SWWQPA 208 planners could support the study with the
data reported In their respective 208 documents.
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ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The study could result in actions to reduce the amount of phosphorus in
Palisades Reservoir and thereby reduce the amount of algae and undesirable
aquatic growths.
The social impacts of the study would be to foster a cooperative effort
involving two states and the Federal Government.
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OPTION 10
CONVERT TO NONPHOSPHATE DETERGENTS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Some of the phosphorus entering streams originates from municipal, commercial,
and industrial use of detergents containing phosphates. In the study area
at the present time, treatment facilities do not have processes for
reducing or treating phosphorus in the effluent. Providing additional
treatment at the treatment facilities would reduce the phosphorus levels
but would also add to the cost of treatment.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
As an alternative to treating phosphorus in wastewater, communities or
counties or the State could enact ordinances or legislation to prohibit the
sale and use of phosphate detergents in the area of jurisdiction.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The total estimated phosphorus discharged from point sources and the
estimated amounts from other sources were listed on Table 5-12. About 50
percent of the total phosphorus loads is attributable to the use of phosphate-containing
detergents. This estimate is based on application of data from sources
outside the study area. Thus, this information should be taken as only
approximate.
At 50 percent, it can be seen that eliminating phosphorus detergents would
reduce phosphorus loads entering Flaming Gorge Reservoir by 30 tons each
year.
EXPECTED COST
There are various industrial, commercial, and residential grade nonphosphate
detergents available on the market. Their prices are comparable to those
for typical phosphate detergents. Users of nonphosphate detergents report
that their effectiveness per pound is somewhat less than phosphate detergents.
Cost, therefore, for detergents alone are likely to be higher. The Soap
and Detergent Association reports that the costs to consumers from having
to use nonphosphate detergents might range from $5 to $236 per household
per year. The lower value includes cost differences between the products
and increased washing machine repairs. The higher value includes effects
of more hot water use and more frequent garment replacements (the Soap and
Detergent Association, June 1977). For the total study area population of
about 60,000 persons, the total cost of converting to nonphosphate detergents
could range from $300,000 to $14,160,000 per year.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The benefits of converting to nonphosphate detergents are largely to the
recreational users of various water bodies, such as Flaming Gorge Reservoir,
and the tourist Industry.
9-37
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WHO PAYS
A transition period wouid be provided as part of the control action so that
existing stocks of phosphate detergents could be used up prior to conversion.
After this period, the consumers of nonphosphate detergents would essentially
be paying for the management option.
WHO ACTS
Any one of the four leveis of government could implement this option—local,
county, state, or Federal. If the Federal Government intended to take this
action, it probably would have by now. The State Legislature is probably
the most appropriate body to act, but it probably will not because not all
parts of the State are necessarily affected by the use of phosphate detergents.
Because the problem is local in cause and effect, county governments might
consider action on a proposal to eliminate the sale and use of phosphate
detergents within their jurisdiction. Should any county in the study area
not require the conversion to nonphosphate detergents, a local community
might act on its own within its jurisdiction.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
This action would result in an estimated 6 percent reduction of the levels
of phosphorus discharged to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This range reflects
the fact that not all users have a discharge and that some food industry
users may not have another product available. The potential positive
impact would be a reduction in eutrophic levels in various reservoirs in
the study area. Sufficient natural phosphorus is present in stream systems
throughout the area to act as a nutrient for beneficial aquatic growths.
The social consequences of this action would be the potential alienation of
the public against the implementing governmental agency. In addition,
there would be the impact of reduced sales by the producers and suppliers
of phosphate detergents. However, those losses could be offset by the
production and sales of nonphosphate detergents. Finally, as mentioned
earlier, the consumers may have extra expenses resulting from the use of
nonphosphorus detergents.
9-38
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OPTION 11
ADOPT PHOSPHORUS STANDARDS FOR FLAMINC GORGE RESERVOIR
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is eutrophic in the two arms and mestrophic in the
main body. Algal growth is excessive in the two arms, and excessive algal
growth is beginning to spread down the reservoir from the two arms. The
existing phosphorus loadings are capable of continuing eutrophic conditions
in the two arms and may be capable of producing eutrophic conditions throughout
the main body of the reservoir.
If the reservoir becomes eutrophic throughout, the fish population will
likely change from primarily game fish to primarily nongame fish, and
recreational opportunities in the reservoir will be lost. Recreation
related to Flaming Gorge Reservoir is an estimated $2 million per year
industry in Southwestern Wyoming. Because of the importance of recreation
in Flaming Gorge Reservoir, EPA has designated the reservoir as the most
Important candidate for cleanup in Wyoming.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Instream phosphorus standards are necessary in order to formulate wasteload
allocations and control phosphorus discharges to the reservoir. Two critical
total phosphorus levels in the surface waters have been defined: 0.080
mg/l, which marks the maximum level for permissible conditions, and 0.030
mg/l, which marks the maximum level for desirable conditions. Either level
will be difficult to meet on a continuous basis in the two arms by control
of phosphorus loadings. For example, to attain permissible conditions in
the two arms would require an estimated 75 percent reduction in phosphorus
loadings from Green River and an 85 percent reduction from Blacks Fork.
This degree of reduction is probably not possible when so much of the load
comes from natural, nonpoint sources.
A permissible level of 0.080 mg/l or less at all times may be attainable in
the two arms by a combination of phosphorus controls and in-lake management,
however. In-lake techniques are described under Option 6. Management of
phosphorus in the two arms will not only improve conditions in the arms
themselves, but also control phosphorus loadings from the two arms to the
main body of the reservoir. The two arms are estimated to deliver 60
percent of the total phosphorus loading to the main body.
The permissible level may be a reasonably attainable goal in the two arms.
Therefore, it is recommended that DEQ consider for adoption an instream
phosphorus standard in the two arms of 0.080 mg/l total phosphorus in the
surface waters. A program to meet this standard is described in Chapter
11.
As shown on Figure 9-1, stations In the main body of the reservoir have
either permissible conditions (F3) or desirable conditions (F4-F9). In
order to attain desirable conditions throughout the main body of the reservoir,
phosphorus loadings to the main body will have to be reduced by an estimated
9-39
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100-135 tons per year (50-70 percent) . Control of phosphorus in the two
arms will go part of the way toward the desired reduction. Other phosphorus
controls may be done in Henrys Fork, Sage Creek, Current Creek, or other
tributaries, as required. Desirable conditions appear to be an attainable
goal in the main body of the reservoir. Therafore, it is recommended that
DEQ consider for adoption a standard of Q.030 mg/l total phosphorus in the
surface waters in the main body of the reservoir. A program to meet this
standard is described in Chapter 11.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The standards are designed to encourage permissible conditions in the two
arms and desirable conditions in the reservoir,
EXPECTED COST
Costs for developing phosphorus standards have not been estimated. However,
these costs would probably be small compared to the costs of the phosphorus
control program or the benefits from it.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The largest benefits would go to recreationalists and services supporting
recreation in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Some additional benefits may be
gained for fisheries in the streams because of erosion controls needed to
rpeet the phosphorus standards.
WHO PAYS
DEQ would incur costs in the development and enforcement of phosphorus
standards. These costs are difficult to assess.
WHO ACTS
DEQ would adopt phosphorus standards for Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Authoriza-
tion for this action comes under the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act
1973 Session Laws, Chapter 250, Section 1.
DEPAD would review any public or private action which may increase significantly
the phosphorus concentrations In the reservoir. This department has authority
for control over the physical and economic resources of the State (WS 9-160.19)
and for study of private activities which may have an effect on public
interest (WS 9-160.29(a) (iv).
9-40
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OPTION 12
NO ACTION
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a valuable recreational resource in Southwestern
Wyoming. However, its recreational value is being impaired because of
excessive algal growths. Previous options have considered ways to reduce
algal growths through the control of phosphorus. This option presents a
different philosophical approach toward the management of the environment.
The reservoir is an artificial impoundment constructed for storage and
multipurpose use of Upper Basin water. Without the construction of the dam
and reservoir, eutrophication probably never would have become a serious
problem in the area because there would have been relatively few recreation-
alists in the area and because there would have been no still-water habitat
for the troublesome blue-green algae. But the reservoir has attracted
several hundred thousand recreationalists each year, and the still-water
environment in the reservoir has provided the proper habitat for the growth
of the free-floating blue-green algae causing the problem.
If man-induced activities were causing the eutrophication problem, there
might be a justification for controlling phosphorus loadings from these
activities in order to provide a better recreational environment. However,
as shown In Chapter 5, 58 percent of the annual phosphorus loading to the
two arms (332 of 575 tons) is attributed to geologic erosion, which is
affected very little by man. If man had not built any towns in the study
area, or built any roads, or cultivated any lands, or grazed any cattle and
sheep, there would still have been a eutrophication problem in the reservoir
due to nutrient loadings from natural erosion.
This point raises the philosophical question of whether man should attempt
to control natural erosion processes for the benefit of an artificial
Impoundment. Phosphorus controls will require drop structures, riprap,
sedimentation basins, range controls, addition of chemicals to the reservoir,
and other measures potentially disruptive to the natural and human environments.
The environmental, social, and economic costs of phosphorus controls may
outweigh the benefits in the reservoir.
The importance of natural phosphorus loadings also raises a question about
the effectiveness of man to control them. The existing natural erosion
rates have developed over thousands of years. To control these dynamic
processes In a relatively short time span within a desert environment may
be a costly and difficult task.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The importance of Flaming Gorge Reservoir as a recreational resource is
undeniable. The loss of the reservoir to recreation may be delayed by
in-lake management techniques described under Option 6. In the meantime,
alternative recreational sites can be developed. These sites may include
Bear Lake and other water bodies where management of man-Induced phosphorus
9-41
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loadings can maintain oligotrophic or mesotrophic conditions. New recrea-
tional sites must be examined carefully to ensure that water quality will
accommodate the planned recreational activities. This concern is covered
more fully in Option 8.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
Some control over algal growth could be exercised by in-lake management.
However, there would be no effort to reduce phosphorus loadings to the
reservoir.
EXPECTED COST
The cost of this option would be the eventual loss of game fishing and
other recreational opportunities in the reservoir and the associated economic
losses to the recreation and tourism industry in Southwestern Wyoming.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The benefits are the elimination of costs for phosphorus controls on municipal
treatment plants, on rangelands, along railroads and roads, etc.
WHO PAYS
The only direct costs of this option may be some for in-lake management.
These costs are covered in Option 5.
WHO ACTS
Only Option 8, and perhaps Option 5, would be exercised in conjuction with
this option. Therefore, the actors under this option would be the same as
those under Option 8 and perhaps Option 5, These actors include DEQ, the
State Engineer, the Wyoming Water Planning Program, the Bureau of Reclamation,
and others.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The environmental impacts would be the eventual loss of the reservoir to
eutrophication. Social impacts may include a loss of jobs in the recreation
and tourist industry, a loss in area pride, and others.
9-42
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Chapter 10
CONTROLS FOR OTHER ISSUES
A number of other issues besides the control of salinity and phosphorus
have emerged from this 208 study as being important. The 11 options which
address other issues are listed on Table 10-1.
The first six options consider solutions to the fecal coliform and dissolved
oxygen problems identified in Chapter 5. The relationship between these
problems, sources, and management options is shown on Table 10-2.
The next set of options addresses water quality standards for the area.
Previous discussion on water quality criteria and standards has occurred in
Chapter 2, in Option 7 of Chapter 8, and in Option 11 of Chapter 9. The
three options on water quality standards in this chapter involve issues
related to water quality standards but not specifically related to salinity
and phosphorus.
The final two options address institutional issues in the study area. One
concerns institutional management of septic tanks and point sources, while
the other concerns the future of 208 planning in the study area.
10-1
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Table 10-1
OTHER WATER QUALITY ISSUES
Fecal Coliform and Dissolved Oxygen Problems
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Option 5
Option 6
Management of Individual Waste Systems
Alternatives to Option 1 for Bridger Valley
Point Source Reductions of Fecal Coliform
Suboption A:
Suboption B:
208 Goal
National Coal
Point Source Reductions of BOD
Eutrophication Controls to Increase Dissolved Oxygen Levels
Manure Control
Water Quality Standards
Option 7
Option 8
Option 9
Use-Based Approach to Water Quality
Development of Heavy Metals Standards
Water Quality Monitoring
Institutional Issues
Option 10:
Clarification of Institutional Responsibilities for Sewage
Treatment
Option 11: Identification of Ongoing 208 Planning Agency
10-2
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Table 10-2
OTHER PRINCIPAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Use
Constituent
Secondary Contact Recrea- Fecal Coliforin
Recreation
Primary Contact
Recreation
Fecal Coliform
Fisliery
Dissolved Oxygen
Reach with Water
Quality Problem
tower Green River
Bitter Creek
Salt Weils Creek
Killpecker Creek
Lower Smiths Fork
Middle Hams Fork
Border Reach, Bear River
Source
(1)
Green River (#13. #15. #16. #17)
Lower Creen River (•18)
(II
Upper Big Sandy
Blacks Fork, tyman to
Little America (')
Middle Hams Fork
Snake River
(11
Green River, Lower Reach
Hants Fork, Middle and
Lower
Municipal wastewater discharges
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runofi
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Municipal wastewater discharges
Manure runoff
Septic tanks
Municipal wastewater discharges
Municipal wastewater discharges
IBOD5)
Principal phosphorus sources
Municipal wastewater discharges
(BOD5)
Principal pttosphorus sources
Municipal wastewater discharges
(BOD5, phosphorus)
Location
Rock Springs
Green River
Rock Springs
South Superior
Husky Truck Stop
Salt Wells Creek drainage
Killpecker Creek drainage
Killpecker Creek drainage
Mountain View
Bridger Valley
Bridger Valley
Kemine r e r - D ra mood v i I le
Green River drainage
Rock Springs
Green River
Big Sandy drainage
Kemmerer-Diamondville
Granger
Lyman
Mountain View
Bridger Valley
Bridger Valley
Kemmerer-Diamondville
Outside study area
Outside study area
Green River
Husky Truck Stop
South Superior
See Table 5-13
Kemmerer-Diamondville
Management Option
3
1.6
1.6
1.2.3.6
3
7
6
3
6.7
1.2,3,6,7
3,7
M, 5
*.S
4,S
(1) Under national goal only.
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OPTION 1
MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
PROBLEM STATEMENT
In areas such as portions of Bridger Valley and in the urbanizing areas
around Rock Springs and Green River, much of the development has occurred
using individual waste disposal methods such as septic tanks and drain
fields. Most of the trailer parks and some of the subdivisions have developed
central waste disposal methods for the individual development, but many
septic tanks still exist. There are about 6,000 persons on septic tank
units now throughout the three-county area, and between 200 and 400 are
likely to be added each year for the foreseeable future.
Because septic tanks are so commonly used and because they are buried in
the ground out of sight, they are frequently taken for granted by homeowners.
But a septic tank drain field system is a fairly complex treatment system
designed to handle potentially harmful wastes. Proper design, installation,
and operation of such systems is extremely important for the protection of
public health because contaminants from the septic tank drain field system
can enter water supplies in shallow wells and cause disease or sickness in
drinking water.
At present, Sweetwater, Lincoln, and Uinta Counties have no programs for
the management of individual waste systems. The three counties rely primarily
on the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) inspector who has
jurisdiction over Albany, Carbon, Sweetwater, Uinta, Lincoln, and Teton
Counties. With one State inspector for all that area, obviously not much
can be done except respond to urgent problems. Sweetwater County has a
sanitarian who responds to problems on a variety of subjects having to do
with public health; however, his effectiveness is hampered by a lack of
authority to inspect and enforce.
Records kept by the Sweetwater County Sanitarian from January 1975 through
July 1977 (33 Months) show about on-half of all complaints received (98 out
of 200) pertained to sewage, usually septic tanks. He has travelled some
25,000 miles in that period while making up to 250 field inspections. He
estimates that perhaps again as many problems exist that he has no knowledge
of, largely because many people do not know whom to call. The situation in
the other two counties is worse because the State inspector's office is
even further away and so he is not as likely to be called.
Adequate State regulations exist for the management of individual waste
systems, and the State has encouraged individual counties in Wyoming to
take on the responsibility for managing this program. No funds have been
made available, however, at either the State or county level for implementing
such a program.
10-4
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MANAGEMENT ACTION
Each of the counties could pass an ordinance establishing an individual
waste disposal management program for new units. This program could consist
of three parts: (1) review of design; (2) inspection during construction;
and (3) periodic inspection during subsequent operation.
The county can adopt the State standards or develop its own standards for
proper design of individual waste disposal systems and then require that
all systems be designed according to those standards. The State standards
are outlined in Chapter 111 of the Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations.
Amplification of the standards and implementation procedures are presented
in the Manual of Septic Tank Practice by the U.S. Public Health Service and
in the Recommended Standards for Sewage Works developed by the Great Lakes-
Upper Mississippi River Board of State Sanitary Engineers.
Within the State standards is wording which allows the counties to make
design criteria stricter than those presented in the State standards. The
208 Plan for Teton County, Wyoming, has placed a major emphasis on septic
tanks and has developed stricter criteria suitable for that county. These
criteria may be valuable as guidelines for design of septic tanks in Sweet-
water, Lincoln, and Uinta Counties.
During construction of each waste disposal system, the county sanitarian
could inspect the site to make sure that the installation is in keeping
with the requirements of the design. The inspections would ensure that
each individual system is set up in the beginning to maximize treatment
capability and protect public health. In the 208 Plan for Teton County, it
was noted that contractors and homeowners often sought to cut expenses in
the construction of septic tank systems and in the process fell short of
meeting the State requirements. Performance bonds posted by the contractor
could be required to guarantee the system against substandard workmanship
for a period up to 3 years.
To make sure that the intention of good design and installation is carried
out in practice, each new septic tank would be inspected by a qualified
county sanitarian or other official on a regular interval between 1 and
10 years, depending upon factors mentioned below. Inspectors would check
that the drain field was operating properly so that liquid was not coming
to the surface and would also check the depth of sludge relative to the
depth of liquid in the septic tank itself. Treatment efficiencies are
greatly impaired in septic tanks when sludge reaches a depth greater than
one-third of the liquid depth. A maintenance permit would be issued upon
completion of the inspection. A model maintenance permit is presented in
Appendix D.
Factors governing the frequency of re-inspection would include the following:
¦ Where septic tanks are used for houses or other uses on more than
2 acres of land, operating inspections need only be done once
every 10 years because the risk and likelihood of creating public
health problems is very low.
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¦ Where soil conditions and proper design have been shown to be
effective in preventing risk of contamination from septic tank
operations, re-inspections need only occur at periods between 5
and 10 years, as the county sanitarian judges most appropriate.
¦ For new installations in relatively poor soils or in high density
locations, re-inspections should take place every 3 years until
the sanitarian is satisfied that a longer period of time is
suitable for that particular installation.
* Septic tank systems which use pumps, blowers or other mechanical
devices should be inspected once a year because of the greater
likelihood of failure.
The county sanitarian or other qualified official would develop guidelines
for each of the three parts of the management program to ensure that everyone
involved understands the requirements.
The program described above would apply only to new septic tank systems.
Some program should also be developed for existing septic tank systems.
Bacterial problems in ground waters and surface waters of the study area
have been linked in part in Chapter 5 to failure of existing septic tank
systems, particularly in Bridger Valley.
The inspection program described for new systems would be difficult to
apply to existing systems. Most of the existing systems do not have easy
access in order to determine liquid depths, and in many cases the locations
of the septic tanks are unknown. Costs to locate septic tanks and install
observation ports would be considered excessive by the owners and the
counties.
What is recommended for existing septic tank systems is to improve the
effectiveness of the present program through an increase in manpower and
water quality monitoring. The present staff at the county level cannot
handle the number of complaints related to septic tanks and the number of
field inspections to effectively enforce the present program. Additional
staff could relieve this overload.
A primary responsibility of the new staff should be the collection of more
water quality data in areas where failures of septic tanks have occurred or
where failures are possible because of soil types, ground water levels, and
densities. Parameters that should be monitored include fecal coliform,
fecal strep, nitrate and chloride. These data could be used to indicate
the presence of water quality problems and facilitate the enforcement of
control measures to relieve the problems.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The program described above should eliminate all water quality problems
associated with future septic tanks. However, water quality problems
associated with existing septic tanks will continue to occur, although at a
decreasing rate as failing septic tanks are better maintained or replaced.
10-6
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The greatest water quality improvement will be less widespread bacterial
contamination of domestic we!! water and surface waters. Some reduction in
phosphorus loadings from septic tanks will also be achieved; however,
because septic tanks have been estimated to contribute only three tons of
phosphorus per year to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the phosphorus loading
reductions achievable under this option will be insignificant compared to
those achievable under options presented in Chapter 9.
EXPECTED COSTS
Costs will be incurred by the owners and by the regulating agencies during
design and construction and during operation of the system. Additional
costs incurred under this option during the design and construction phase
will result from inspections, performance bonds, and any design changes
requested by the inspector. Additional costs incurred during operation
will result from sludge pumping and disposal, maintenance permit inspections,
and water quality monitoring.
The estimated cost of one inspection visit during design and construction
is $60; this calculation is based on two inspections per day by each inspector.
Three inspections are recommended during design and construction, one just
before the commencement of construction, one during construction, and one
at the completion of construction. Thus, inspections during design and
construction are estimated to cost a total of $180 per unit.
The performance bond would be adequate to replace the septic tank system if
it is not built to design specifications. The interest on a $5,000 bond
would be approximately $40. The cost of paperwork associated with the
bonding will vary widely, but an estimated cost of $25 has been assumed.
Development and enforcement of proper design and installation standards for
individual waste disposal systems will add to the cost of building such a
system. For example, requirements for some installations are likely to
require larger drain fields for septic tanks than are now used, or certain
installations may have soil conditions that would require installing two
drain fields and alternating use of them on an annual basis. Because of
the extreme variability of these potential additional costs, no estimate
can be made of them at this time.
One design change that will be required of all new septic tanks under this
option is a permanent access to the tanks for observation of liquid levels
and sludge pumping. This access can be accomplished by the installation of
a 21-inch cast iron manhole frame and grate. The cost of this design
change is estimated at approximately $50 per unit.
More frequent sludge pumping and disposal during the operation phase will
be required under this option. The annualized cost of sludge pumping and
disposal is estimated at $20. In other words, if sludge is pumped from a
particular unit every 3 years, the total cost of the pumping and disposal
would be 3x$20=$60.
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Maintenance permit inspections would be required every 1 to 10 years,
depending on the factors described in an earlier section. The estimated
cost of one maintenance inspection and permit processing is $40. Thus, the
estimated annual cost is $4-40.
Water quality monitoring programs would have to be designed on a case by
case basis to ensure enough data are collected in order to identify water
quality problems. Four constituents would be monitored at an average cost
of $10 per constituent analysis. The locations of sampling stations and
the frequency of sampling would depend on the number of existing stations
and wells in the particular area and the potential for water quality problems
based on soils types, ground water levels, and density and design of septic
tank systems.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
The public as a whole would be protected against public health hazards
through implementation of an individual waste disposal management program.
The public health hazards are primarily those associated with bacterial
contamination of well drinking water supplies and of surface waters used
for drinking water supplies and primary and secondary contact recreation.
WHO PAYS
The sources of revenue for this option are listed on Table 10-3. The
septic tank program is designed to the self-supporting except for (1) some
property tax revenue applied to the cost of inspections during design and
construction and (2) some property tax revenue or State funds used to
support the water quality monitoring program. Design-and-construction
permit fee income will vary widely because of the wide fluctuations in the
numbers of housing starts from season to season and year to year; thus, it
is recommended that inspections during design and construction be funded
40 percent by property taxes in order to smooth out seasonal and annual
variation in total revenue collected under this program,
WHO ACTS
Regulations for all septic tank systems are controlled by DEQ under authority
granted by the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act of 1973 (Sections 35-502.1 8
and 35-502.19) . However, the authority over the administration and enforce-
ment of the State regulations has been given to local officials.
There is a possibility that the State of Wyoming might enact legislation at
some time to establish a similar kind of program, but currently local
citizens appear to prefer that the action be taken at the county level. A
need exists in the three counties within the study area to designate clearly
those local officials who are responsible for the management of individual
waste systems. Local citizens have frequently voiced the concern that they
do not know who is responsible at the State or local level for complaints
and other issues associated with septic tanks. A county health department
could be established in Sweetwater County. A regional health department
10-8
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could be established through the Uinta-Lincoln Association of Governments,
or Lincoln and Uinta Counties individually could establish county health
departments. Whether or not health departments are established, county or
regional sanitarians could be employed to carry out the reviews and inspections
of the management program.
The counties would be responsible for enacting necessary ordinances to
establish and carry out a program to manage individual waste systems.
These responsibilities would include, but may not be necessarily limited
to, the following:
¦ Establish a three-part program relative to individual waste
treatment and disposal consisting of review of design, inspection
during construction, and inspection periodically during subsequent
operation. The purpose of such reviews and inspections would be
to safeguard public health and ground water quality by ensuring
to the greatest extent possible that disposal systems (such as
septic tanks and drain fields) are designed properly for the
property being served and in accordance with site conditions such
as soil types, that such systems are installed as they were
designed, and that such systems continue to operate in a safe and
adequate manner.
¦ Establish that such a program will apply to new installations as
they are planned.
¦ Provide for employing such county-level sanitarians as needed to
carry out said program in accordance with Wyoming Compiled Statutes
35-32, Appointment of Sanitarians.
¦ Involve consulting services, such as the Soil Conservation Service
and others, as needed to first initiate the program by providing
technical expertise in such matters as soils evaluations, design
criteria, and setting priorities for the transition of existing
systems into the program.
¦ Establish a system of permits, fees for the permits, collection
of said fees, and the use and disbursement of monies collected in
accordance with Wyoming Statute 35-32 (g) as amended.
¦ Apply to the State legislature for such grants as may be necessary
to first establish this program and to perform the water quality
monitoring. Such initial work may include, but not be limited
to, more thorough mapping of soils and investigating their
priorities and establishing operating rules and procedures for
carrying out this program. The grants would provide for salaries
and operating expenses for personnel and consultants as needed
until the program is self-sustaining through permit fees and
property taxes.
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ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The environmental impacts of this management action would be the beneficial
protection of ground and surface water bodies from contamination through
individual waste disposal practices. Individual persons in Southwestern
Wyoming would have increased protection against bacterial contamination in
their shallow wells and deep wells that have been installed incorrectly.
Carrying out the action would not cause any further disruption of the
environment than is now present and might prevent problems associated with
sewage breakout from the drain fields.
Implementing this action would increase the amount of government involvement
in individual private lives and would increase to a small degree the cost
of building a new home.
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Table 10-3
COST AND FUNDING OF SEPTIC TANK OPTION
Item Estimated Cost
Design and Construction
Inspections
Performance Bonds
Design Changes
Sludge Pumping and Disposal
Maintenance Permit
Inspections
Water Quality Monitoring
$180/unit
$ 65/unit
> $ 50/unit
$ 20/year
$1-40/year
Unknown
Revenue Source
Owner (property taxes and permit fees)
Contractor
Owner
Owner
Owner (permit fees)
County (property taxes or State funds)
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Option 2
ALTERNATIVES TO OPTION 1 FOR BR1DGER VALLEY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Samples taken from numerous wells used for household water supply in the
Bridger Valley have had high levels of fecal coliform and nitrate. The
State Department of Public Health has shown these problems to be largely a
result of poor septic tank operation due to soil conditions, housing densities,
and other factors.
Option 1 addressed the issue of failing septic tanks. It presented a
program for the management of new systems. However, this program was not
considered feasible for existing systems because the locations of many
septic tanks are unknown and easy access to the tanks for observation of
liquid levels and pumping of sludge has not been built into most existing
systems. What was recommended for existing systems under Option 1 was a
manpower increase to better address problems as they arise.
Problems with existing systems will continue to occur under the approach
described in Option 1, although at a decreasing rate as failing systems are
corrected and maintained better. This option presents alternatives which
can eliminate problems with existing failing systems at a faster rate.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The most serious and widespread water quality problems related to failing
septic tank systems have occurred in the Bridger Valley. Several alternatives
to Option 1 are available for that area. They are described below:
¦ Conversion to Central Treatment. Mountain View and Lyman are
constructing new collection systems which will eliminate some
septic tanks in the area. This trend should be encouraged in
order to reduce pollution in wells. Wastewater treatment capacity
is being expanded in both communities to meet the increase in
flows. Fort Bridger has a single-cell wastewater treatment
lagoon which has limited capacity to accommodate future growth.
Since the lagoon is downgradient from the existing wells, it is
not a source of pollution to domestic wells. The cost to extend
the collection system and eliminate some septic tanks should be
investigated in the 201 Facilities Plan for the Fort Bridger
area.
¦ Abandon Ground Water System for Public Water Supplies. One way
to eliminate water quality problems associated with a particular
use is to eliminate that use. With the construction of the two
dams and reservoirs in the Lyman Project, the opportunity exists
to draw water stored in the reservoirs for public water supplies
in Bridger Valley. The ground water supplies could continue to
be used for urban irrigation. The cost to extend the water
supply distribution system to all users on septic tanks in Bridger
Valley would be excessive because of low densities in certain
10-12
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areas. However, the extension of the distribution system to
those areas with relatively high densities and a large number of
failing septic tanks may be more economically feasible than
replacing the failing septic tanks. This possibility should be
investigated by the Bureau of Reclamation, the towns, and Uinta
County when water supply service areas are defined.
Irrigation Water Management. Many of the septic tank failures in
Bridger Valley can be attributed to a high ground water table,
which in turn is attributable in part to overirrigation of the
agricultural lands. Several options were presented in Chapter 8
to reduce the amount of water applied to irrigated lands. The
major purpose of these options is to reduce salinity delivered by
Irrigation return flow. However, any of these options will
result in a lower ground water table and perhaps fewer septic
tank failures. Thus, irrigation water management may have the
dual benefits of reduced salinity in surface waters and reduced
fecal coliform concentrations in surface and ground waters. Both
benefits should be considered by the management agencies designated
in Chapter 8 when evaluating the feasibility of the salinity
control options.
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OPTION 3
POINT SOURCE REDUCTIONS OF FECAL COLIFORM
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Municipal wastewater treatments plants were implicated in Chapter 5 as the
major fecal coliform source in the study area. The following eight plants
had particularly high fecal coliform concentrations in the effluent: Green
River, Husky Truck Stop, Rock Springs, South Superior, Granger, Kemmerer-
Diamondville, Lyman, and Mountain View. Instream fecal coliform violations
have occurred below all eight plant outfalls.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Allowable fecal coliform concentrations in plant effluents have been calcu-
lated for the eight facilities listed in the previous section. These
concentrations have been termed allowable because a complete mixing of the
instream flows and the effluent flows at the allowable concentrations would
result in instream concentrations equal to the fecal coliform standard.
The following three assumptions have been made in the calculation of allow-
able concentrations: the receiving waters are at their 7-day, 10-year low
flows; background fecal coliform concentrations in the receiving streams
are zero; and no fecal coliform die-off occurs between the plant outfalls
and the water quality monitoring stations.
Allowable fecal coliform concentrations in the effluent are presented on
Table 10-4. As the results in the table indicate, no dilution of the
effluent occurs in Bitter Creek, Hams Fork and Blacks Fork; in other
words, the effluent flows constitute the total flows in those three creeks
at the 7-day, 10-year low flows. Consequently, allowable fecal coliform
concentrations in the effluent have been set equal to the instream standards.
By contrast, considerable dilution of the effluent occurs in the Green
River and Smiths Fork. Therefore, allowable effluent concentrations are
80 times higher than the instream standard in the Green River and 40 times
higher than the standard in Smiths Fork.
The action prescribed under this option is to set NPDES effluent discharge
limitations for fecal coliform at or below the allowable fecal coliform
effluent concentrations shown on Table 10-4. As shown on the table, achieve-
ment of the national goal would require more stringent fecal coliform
removals at plants in the Bridger Valley, at Kemmerer-DiamondviIle, and at
Granger than would achievement of the local goal. Therefore, the effluent
limitations at those plants would depend on the choice of a water quality
goal, and consequently on the designation of stream uses for primary or
secondary contact recreation.
Regardless of which of the two goals is selected, the following changes in
NPDES permit standards would be made:
¦ Effluent standards would be set equal to the allowable concen-
trations for the plants at South Superior, Mountain View, Kemmerer-
Diamondville, and Lyman
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¦ The effluent standard would be relaxed to the allowable concentra-
tion for the plants at Green River and Rock Springs
¦ The effluent standard would be made more stringent for the plant
at Granger.
EXPECTED CONTAMINANT REDUCTION
The reductions in fecal coliform loadings have been calculated in terms of
allowable effluent concentrations, which are listed on Table 10-4. Effluent
loadings at these concentrations or lower from the eight municipal waste-
water treatment plants listed on Table 10-4 are expected to reduce instream
fecal coliform concentrations to allowable levels in the five reaches also
listed on the table.
EXPECTED COST
Under the management action described in this section, five plants will be
required to develop disinfection capabilities to satisfy new NPDES permit
standards for fecal coliform. The capital costs have been roughly estimated
at $170,000 for the Kemmerer-DiamondviIle plant and $80,000 apiece for the
other plants. 0) Operation and maintenance costs have been roughly estimated
at $20,000 per year for the Kemmerer-Diamondville plant and $10,000 per
year for each of the other plants.
The difference in disinfection costs to achieve the local goal (1000 colonies
per 100 ml) or the national goal (200 colonies per 100 ml) is minimal. The
cost savings to Creen River if the standard is relaxed and the costs to
Granger if the standard becomes more stringent may also be small . The
change in costs in both cases is difficult to estimate; however, it is not
expected to exceed a thousand dollars in either case.
BENEFITS AND TO WHOM
Reduction of fecal coliform loadings from point sources by disinfection
probably would reduce the possibilities of bacterial or viral infections
caused by drinking or swimming in impure water. Fecal coliform is only an
indicator of the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses. However, the
connection between fecal coliform in Water and infectious hepatitis is well
documented in the literature. Recent findings have indicated that fecal
coliform may not be as good an indicator species for the presence or absence
of certain other pathogenic viruses, however.
(1) These cost estimates assume the construction of a chlorine contact basin.
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WHO PAYS
The management agency for each wastewater treatment plant would be respon-
sible for funding the design and construction of disinfection facilities.
Such facilities would be eligible for construction grant funds under the
201 program.
WHO ACTS
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality would write fecal coliform
effluent standards into the NPDES permits for wastewater treatment plants
in the study area. The prosecution of violations of the fecal coliform
standards could be delayed until the communities had applied for and received
grants needed to fund the design and construction of disinfection facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
While fecal coliform concentrations would be reduced in the streams of the
area, residual chlorine concentrations probably would increase. Residual
chlorine concentrations of 1 mg/l to 5 mg/l are typically needed to insure
effluent concentrations of fecal coliform below 200 to 1000 colonies per
100 mi. The residual chlorine concentrations may be well above the instream
criterion for fisheries (see Table 2-11). The concentrations of free
residual chlorine, chloramines, and chlorinated hydrocarbons may have to be
monitored closely below plant outfalls discharging to streams with relatively
small flows. If dechlorination is found to be necessary at the plants,
capital costs, and perhaps operation and maintenance costs, will increase
significantly.
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Table 10-4
ALLOWABLE FECAL COLIFORM DISCHARGES
Reach
Lower Green River
Bitter Creek
Lower Smiths Fork
Middle Hams Fork
Blacks Fork, Lyman
to Little America
7-Days
10 Year
Low Flow
(cfs)
400
4
2
Major
Instream Point Source
CriterionContributors
(#/ 100ml)
200
1,000
1.000
1,000(2)
200 (3)
1,000(2)
200(3)
Green River
Rock Springs
Husky Truck
Stop
South Superior
Rock Springs
Husky Truck
Stop
South Superior
Mountain View
Kemmerer-
Diamondville
Mountain View
Lyman
Fort Bridger
Kemmerer-
Diamondville
Granger
Present
NPDES
Standard
WlOOml)
1,000
200
1,000
none
200
1.000
none
none
none
none
none
none
none
17.000
Allowable
Effluent Concentration
Local
Goal
(#/100ml)
16,000
1,000
40,000
1,000
1,000
National
Goal
(#/100ml)
16,000
1,000
40.000
200
200
(1) The criteria apply during the recreation season only (May 1 - September 30) .
(2) Under local goal.
(3) Under national goal.
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OPTION 4
POINT SOURCE REDUCTIONS OF BOD
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Dissolved oxygen concentrations in violation of the standard have occurred
in the Hams Fork below the Kemrnerer area and in the Green River below the
confluence with Bitter Creek. The high BOD5 concentrations in the plant
effluents of Kemmerer-Diamondville, Green River, Husky Truck Stop, and
South Superior may be contributing to the dissolved oxygen problems at
these two locations.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Kemmerer-Diamondville and South Superior are seeking 201 construction grant
funds to build facilities capable of improving their effluents to secondary
treatment standards. Green River is completing an engineering study on why
its plant is not operating to its expected efficiency. The problems at the
Husky Truck Stop facility have been recognized by the State and corrective
measures are being taken. Thus, all four facilities with effluents fre-
quently exceeding secondary treatment standards (30 mg/l) for BOD5 are
expected to be in compliance with secondary treatment standards within the
next 5 years.
If dissolved oxygen problems persist after corrective measures have been
taken at the four facilities, a Streeter-Phelps dissolved oxygen sag analysis
should be run to assess if municipal treated wastewater effluents are
causing the problems to persist. It is likely to be found, however, that
algal respiration and decay are the sources of any continued dissolved
oxygen problems.
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OPTION 5
EUTROPHICATION CONTROLS TO INCREASE
DISSOLVED OXYCEN LEVELS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
All of the dissolved oxygen problems in the area have been attributed at
least in part to excessive algae growth and decay. As noted on Table 10-2,
low dissolved oxygen concentrations have been observed in the Snake River
and Green River near the reservoirs and in the middle and lower reaches of
the Hams Fork. Extensive algae blooms have been observed in all of these
river stretches. Algae respiration and decay in these stretches is likely
to produce temporary dissolved oxygen depletions to levels below 6 mg/l.
Algae growth is promoted by large phosphorus loadings from erosion, municipal
wastewater treatment plants, and manure runoff. Control of phosphorus from
these sources is likely to reduce algal growth in those reaches which have
been found to have low dissolved oxygen levels, and therefore, significantly
improve dissolved oxygen conditions in those reaches.
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Eutrophication control options are described in Chapter 9.
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OPTION 6
MANURE RUNOFF CONTROLS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Marginal violations of the fecal coliform standard have occurred in four
reaches of the Green River above its confluence with Bitter Creek and in
the Upper Big Sandy reach. Manure runoff was the only significant fecal
coliform source identified for those reaches.
Manure runoff was also identified as a fecal coliform source in Killpecker
Creek, Salt Wells Creek, in Lower Smiths Fork, and in the Lyman, Church
Butte, and Little America reaches of the Blacks Fork. However, municipal
wastewater discharges and failing septic tanks appear to be the more impor-
tant fecal coliform sources in those reaches, according to the discussion
in Chapter 5.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Manure runoff control alternatives were discussed in Option 6 of Chapter 9.
The alternatives would probably be capable of eliminating fecal coliform
violations caused by manure runoff. However, they are not recommended for
the following reasons:
Fecal coliform violations attributed to manure runoff are infre-
quent and only marginally above the standard, and any emphasis on
manure control may direct attention away from the more significant
and more easily controllable fecal coliform sources such as
municipal wastewater discharges and failing septic tanks.
Manure runoff controls may cause severe economic and social
impacts on ranchers
Manure runoff controls may also have to be established for wild
animals in order to eliminate the fecal coliform violations, and
such controls may be technically and politically infeasible
No outbreaks of disease have been associated with fecal coliform
violations attributed to loadings from manure runoff
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Option 7
USE-BASED APPROACH TO WATER QUALITY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Two water quality goals were developed in Chapter 2. One goal includes
swimming and fishing as a designated use wherever attainable. This goal
has been named the national goal because it complies with Section 101 (a) {2)
of Public Law 92-500, which states that:
"It is the national goal that wherever attainable, an interim goal of
water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of
fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on
the water be achieved by July 1, 1983."
The second water quality goal includes swimming and fishing as a designated
use wherever it is attainable and existing or desirable. This goal, pre-
sented on Table 2-2, has been named the local goal because it represents
the water quality goal developed by State and local agencies and local
citizens.
The differences between the two goals were discussed in Chapter 2. The two
goals designate the same reaches for fisheries in the study area. However,
eight more reaches are designated for primary contact recreation (swimming)
under the national goal than under the local goal. In these eight reaches,
primary contact recreation has been determined to be an attainable use, but
not an existing or desired use. The eight reaches are:
* Bear River, Border reach
B Big Sandy River, Upper and Lower reaches
u Blacks Fork, Lyman, Church Butte, and Little America reaches
® Hams Fork, Middle and Lower reaches.
Because of the larger number of reaches designated for primary contact
recreation under the national goal, more fecal coliform problems occur
under the national goal. Those fecal coliform problems under the national
goal only are shown on Table 10-2 to occur in the Border reach of the
Bear River, the Upper Big Sandy reach, the Lyman, Church Butte, and Little
America reaches of the Blacks Fork, and the Middle Hams Fork reach.
The water pollution control program should be designed to attain the desig-
nated uses in the study area. Because the uses are different under the
local and national goals, the water pollution control programs under the
two goals may also be different. Concurrence must be achieved on the uses
to be protected in order to define and institute the control measures
necessary to protect those uses.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Under this option the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
under authority given in VVS 35-502.1 9 and VVS 35-487.19 would adopt for the
three-county Southwestern Wyoming planning area the nine water use classifi-
10-21
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cations defined on Table 2-1 . It would also adopt either the water use
designations locally developed for 52 reaches in Southwestern Wyoming and
presented on Table 2-2 or the water use designations developed under the
national goal. The list of use designations by stream reach has been
reviewed by State and local agencies and local citizens, and has been
revised to agree with comments made by those agencies and individuals;
therefore it reflects the best representation of the existing, the poten-
tially attainable and the desired uses of surface water in the study area.
The list of use designations may change from time to time. The ongoing 208
agency should obtain the necessary input from State and local agencies and
local citizens to review and revise the list of use designations. The
ongoing 208 agency would submit a written report to the DEQ in July of
every third year, beginning in July of 1981, with the list of current use
designations. This list would be included in the State Water Quality
Standards for Surface Waters.
The use-based approach described in Chapter 2 and in this option will
increase the complexity of the existing State use-based approach. This
additional complexity and cost in administering the system must be weighed
against (1) the greater protection it may afford certain types of water
users and (2) the cost savings realized by eliminating water pollution
control projects which do not relieve one or more of the designated impaired
uses.
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OPTION 8
DEVELOPMENT OF HEAVY METAL STANDARDS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
In Chapter 3, eight reaches were identified to have concentrations of
dissolved metals which exceeded the water quality criteria. These reaches
were 1, 6, 7, 3, 11, 13, 17, and 20. The metals which exceeded the water
quality criteria were cadmium, zinc, copper, and lead. However, there has
been no documented evidence of any toxicity problems in any of these
reaches. Moreover, several of the reaches are considered blue-ribbon
fisheries. The apparent discrepancy may be the result of one or more of
the four following conditions: fish species may have adapted to the
instream concentrations; the effects of the metals may be too subtle to
notice without an intensive study; analytical measurements of instream
concentrations may have been inaccurate; and water quality criteria may not
adequately represent toxicity levels for the fish in the study area.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
Because of the importance of fishing to the economy of the study area and
because of the widespread consequences in applying the water quality criteria
to the study area, the four conditions listed above should be investigated.
The most suspect of the four conditions would appear to be the last one,
which is that water quality criteria do not adequately reflect toxicity
levels for the fish in this study area. The Wyoming Came and Fish Depart-
ment, in conjunction with EPA as needed, should carry out species tolerance
studies to determine if the levels of heavy metals in the reaches as called
out above are, in fact, harmful. A report should be prepared and submitted
to DEQ and to the ongoing 208 agency in the areas in question. The report
should describe which metals were found to be toxic and which metals were
not found to be toxic and at what levels, for what species, and in what
locations. This information will then be used for future planning purposes.
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OPTION 9
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
PROBLEM STATEMENT
More confident conclusions could have been reached on some of the controls
if better water quality data had been available. This section calls out
some of the monitoring needs for the future within the study area.
MANAGEMENT ACTION: COORDINATED MONITORING AND TESTING PROGRAMS
DEQ and USGS are the two agencies that do the most sampling in the study
area. They are expected to continue doing their sampling programs in the
future. USGS conducts the routine monitoring programs, while DEQ carries
out special studies as needed. These agencies are directed to the following
needs:
¦ A fully qualified water quality testing laboratory must be maintained
in the Southwestern Wyoming area. The long distances to the
nearest large cities make it difficult to carry out a routine
monitoring program and to obtain accurate results without a
laboratory within the study area. Although DEQ cannot establish
the laboratory, it can review the adequacy of any existing laboratory
in the study area and recommend to the Legislature the establishment
of one or more if it deems necessary.
¦ A flow-monitoring station should be established at the existing
quality station designated Green River below Green River in order
to measure contaminant loadings from Bitter Creek and the Green
River area.
¦ The present program of monitoring phosphorus does not allow
accurate prediction of loads. If a phosphorus control program is
initiated, a concentrated sampling program should be started.
The frequency of phosphorus monitoring, particularly in the
tributaries, should be increased during high flows. Because of
the large costs and benefits associated with a phosphorus control
program, sampling should be done by automatic samplers to ensure
more accurate results.
¦ Dissolved and total metals should be routinely monitored only if
toxicity levels can be accurately established.
¦ Alkalinity and chloride are easily monitored, but levels in the
study area have been adequately determined and further monitoring
does not appear necessary.
¦ Ammonia monitoring should take place within and below population
centers and should be done in conjunction with monitoring of pH
and temperature. Sampling should initially be concentrated on
those reaches shown on Table 3-6 to have possibly excessive
ammonia concentrations.
10-2H
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¦ Water quality criteria have not been exceeded for the following
chemical constituents: arsenic, barium, color, fluoride, phenol,
polychlorinated biphenyls, selenium, and turbidity. It is recom-
mended that these constituents be monitored infrequently or not
at all, because no conditions in the foreseeable future are
expected to increase their levels above the criteria.
¦ The important salinity parameters in the study area are total
dissolved solids (or conductivity), sulfate, total hardness, and
sodium adsorption ratio. If a salinity control program is initiated,
a salinity baseline should be established throughout the Green
River Basin by monitoring the four salinity parameters on a
twice- monthly basis during spring and on a bimonthly basis at
other times.
¦ The following measurements should be made monthly in Flaming
Corge Reservoir to define the pace of eutrophication: total
phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, and secchi disk
transparency. At least three phosphorus and dissolved oxygen
measurements should be made at different depths at each sampling
location.
B Monitoring of constituents which have criteria but which have not
yet been monitored (see Table 2-11) does not appear necessary at
this time.
The results of the water quality monitoring should be reported through the
regular channels of USGS and DEQ and be stored in the STORET and WRDS
systems in order to be available for future planners.
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OPTION 10
DESIGNATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT MANAGEMENT AGENCIES
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Boomtown growth has caused rapid development of land immediately outside of
the boundaries of incorporated towns and cities. Many of these areas are
on individual wastewater treatment systems. However, a few of them,
particularly near Rock Springs, have small collective treatment facilities.
As the towns and cities grow in size and importance, pressure increases on
those communities to operate the satellite facilities or to incorporate the
bordering areas into the main system. This situation is currently taking
place in the Rock Springs area, and is expected to occur in Green River,
Kemmerer, Evanston, and Bridger Valley.
Too often the community's central treatment facility is not sized to handle
the additional flows from a satellite community outside its boundaries.
Even if the facility has the capacity, typically the trunk sewer mains do
not. Planning for the size of facilities and trunk mains therefore must
take into account the potential for growth and the potential future service
area that the facility must plan to serve. Development within that boundary
can then take place with the knowledge that sooner or later central treatment
facilities will be provided. And development outside the area can take
place with the full knowledge that individual or satellite systems are
likely to be the treatment method for the long-range future.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
For the present, it is recommended that the following be designated waste-
water treatment agencies for the sewage service areas under their juris-
diction:
Rock Springs
Wamsutter
South Superior
Granger
Green River
Afton
Evanston
Cokeville
Diamondville
Jamestown-Rio Vista
Water & Sewer District
White Mountain Water &
Sewer District
Inner City Water S
Sewer District
Lyman
Mt. View
Ft. Bridger Water &
Sewer District
Alpine Water &
Sewer District
LaBarge
Kemmerer
Thayne
South Lincoln County
Water & Sewer District
Rock Springs Sweetwater
County Airport Board
Reliance Water S
Sewer District
These agencies would be responsible for constructing, operating, and
maintaining sewage treatment facilities under their jurisdiction and would
be eligible to apply for and receive State and/or federal grant funds to
carry out such work.
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Immediate regionalization of facilities would appear to serve no purpose at
the present time. Most satellite facilities are satisfying NPDES permit
requirements, producing effluent necessary to meet instream water quality
standards and often producing effluent of better quality than larger nearby
plants. Furthermore, many of the satellite facilities would require long
and costly interceptors to tie in with regional facilities.
If higher levels of treatment are required in the future, such as the
removal of phosphorus or ammonia, regionalization may become economically
feasible because of economics of scale. It may also become an operational
necessity because advanced wastewater treatment will require more and
better trained personnel to operate and maintain the facilities. Therefore,
future 201 studies should address regionalization of higher effluent quality
standards are placed on the facilities.
Cummunities with rapid growth and sprawl should also investigate the possi-
bility of regionalization. Rock Springs in particular may annex bordering
areas served by satellite facilities. Wyoming law provides that the major
of any municipality may have extraterritorial jurisdiction under Wyoming
Statute 15.1-171. This provides the major, as may be vested in him by
ordinance, with jurisdiction —
¦ Over all places within 5 miles of the corporate limits of the
city for the enforcement of health or quarantine ordinances; and
¦ In all matters, excepting taxation, withon 0.5 mile of the corpor-
ate limits of the city.
Attorney General V. Frank Mendicino and Special Assistant Attorney General
Steven F. Freudenthal have pointed out that "it is necessary to conclude
that: A county may zone up to the boundaries of the municipality; a munici-
pality may exercise zoning authority beyond its municipal boundaries; and,
within the area of overlapping jurisdiction, the more restrictive zoning
requirements, whether municipal or county, are controlling (letter to
Carbon County Attorney, 2 June 1976)."
WHO ACTS
For the areas of Rock Springs, Green River, Evanston, Kemmerer, Mountain
View, Lyman, and Fort Bridger, the county and each municipality named would
jointly develop an agreement on jurisdiction for planning for wastewater
facilities within the 5-mile limits described in Wyoming statutes beyond
the boundaries of each municipality, and that a plan specifically be devel-
oped that will detail what final service area is to be expected by the
central treatment facility in each of those communities. The county commis-
sioners in each of the counties may authorize some specific agency to carry
out that planning within their jurisdiction.
The Wyoming Department of Environmenta! Quality and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency could encourage the development of plans which evaluate
regionalization through discretionary use of 201 wastewater facilities
construction grant funds and other grant monies.
10-27
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OPTION 11
IDENTIFICATION OF ONGOING 208 PLANNING AGENCY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA) was
established for the 2-year period necessary to carry out the 208 planning
project. It was not an existing agency prior to its establishment in
November 1975.
Public Law 92-500 and EPA's 208 program guidance indicate that 208 is
expected to be an ongoing planning program providing for future updates of
the 208 plan on an annual or other frequency basis. If SWWQPA is disbanded
upon completion of the initial 208 plan, then another agency is required to
carry out such future updates as are necessary.
MANAGEMENT ACTION
The executive board of SWWQPA can decide to stay in existence beyond the
planning period and can direct that specific activities be carried out at
appropriate future intervals. The Association could continue to have
full-time paid staff who could be responsibile for coordination of monitoring
and control programs. It could also take on other duties as directed by
the Association board such as the operation of the individual waste disposal
management program, feasibility studies on erosion control in Bitter Creek,
or others.
A better alternative in this study area appears to be for SWWQPA to disband
and to transfer its responsibilities to the Lincoln-Uinta Association of
Governments and to Sweetwater County. Reasons for this recommendation are
presented below:
• Wyoming has historically had low taxes, relative to other states
and this tendency suggests that Wyoming citizens prefer smaller
government. Continuation of SWWQPA would perpetuate another
layer of government
¦ The Lincoln-Uinta Association of Governments and Sweetwater
Government have received wider recognition and acceptance as
governmental entities than SWWQPA
¦ The planning and review functions required of SWWQPA in the
implementation of the management plan are traditional functions
of both the Lincoln-Uinta Association of Governments and Sweet-
water County
¦ Control strategies in the Bitter Creek and Big Sandy drainages
fall in Sweetwater County, have little apparent impact on Lincoln
and Uina Counties in terms of economics, administration, and
water quality, and therefore can apparently be planned and reviewed
by Sweetwater County independent of the Lincoln-Uinta Association
of Governments
10-28
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¦ Control strategies in the Blacks Fork drainage fall in Lincoln
and Uinta Counties, have little apparent impact on Sweetwater
County in terms of economics, administration, and water quality,
and therefore can apparently be planned and reviewed by the
Lincoln-Uinta Association of Governments independent of Sweet-
water County.
WHO ACTS
The Lincoln-Uinta Association of Governments and Sweetwater County would
ask the State of Wyoming for designation as 208 areawide water quality
management planning agencies. Upon designation, these two units of govern-
ment would be eligible to receive future 208 water quality planning funds.
Additional responsibilities may include, but not be limited to, the follow-
ing:
¦ Provide local match for future 208 projects
¦ Review measures which wiil significantly change instream salinity
concentrations or increase erosion and notify impacted local
agencies and individuals
¦ Recommend designations of wastewater treatment management agenc
and effluent qualities
¦ Provide annual recommendations on the construction grant priority
list
10-29
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Chapter 11
THE RECOMMENDED 208 PLAN
This chapter presents a 208 Plan for the Southwestern Wyoming area which
has been developed by the consultants and staff of the Southwestern Wyoming
Water Quality Planning Association (SWWQPA). The Plan is divided into
three major parts: the subplan for salinity, the subplan for eutrophication,
and the subplan for other issues. The technical basis for the elements of
the Plan has been formed in the ten previous chapters of this report.
The elements of this Plan have been written up as resolutions to be reviewed
and voted upon by SWWQPA or its successors. The resolutions, as well as a
summary of this lengthy Technical Report, are presented in a companion
report entitled "Management Plan, Clean Water Report for Southwestern
Wyoming." This Technical Report and those resolutions which are voted upon
and passed by SWWQPA or its successors will constitute the locally adopted
208 Water Quality Management Plan for Southwestern Wyoming. This locally
adopted Plan will then be reviewed and approved, conditionally approved, or
rejected by the Governor of the State of Wyoming and the U .S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
More options than those presented in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 were considered
during the course of this 208 study. They were eliminated because they did
not satisfy one or more of the four criteria presented below:
¦ Is the option capable of producing measureable improvements in
water quality?
¦ Is the water quality improvement directed at alleviating the use
impairments shown in Chapter 3?
¦ Is the option clearly definable so that another party can know
what is to be done, who is to do it, and how benefits can be
measured?
¦ Are there no obvious insurmountable political roadblocks?
All of the options in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 satisfy these four evaluation
criteria.
A second set of evaluation criteria has been used to judge the chances of
putting into practice those options presented in the three previous chapters.
These criteria are as follows:
¦ Feasibility: Is the control measure technologically, legally,
and administratively feasible?
11-1
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* Cost Acceptability: Can the agency or individual responsible for
carrying out the option afford it? is the ratio of benefits to
costs, where it can be computed, at least 1:1?
¦ Adverse Impacts: Are there significant adverse environmental
and/or social impacts that would override the benefits of the
action?
The emphasis of all these criteria is on implementation. This report alone
cannot improve water quality in the study area. Recommendations from this
plan and others must be implementable and implemented in order to achieve
better water quality.
THE SUBPLAN FOR SALINITY CONTROL
A precedent for salinity control in the study area has been established by
the Big Sandy Unit Project. The justification for this project was based
on the costs of salinity to users in the Lower Colorado River Basin, hundreds
of miles downstream from the study area. The approach to salinity in this
study has been to determine whether salinity controls could also be recom-
mended for the benefit of the study area or the State of Wyoming.
The salinity problems were covered in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. The most
important conclusions arrived at in those two chapters with respect to
salinity were:
¦ The level of total dissolved solids in the Green River from Big
Sandy River to Flaming Gorge Reservoir has important economic
consequences for industry
¦ The chloride, sulfate, and total dissolved solids criteria for
livestock and wildlife watering are exceeded in Killpecker Creek
¦ The sulfate criterion for livestock and wildlife watering is
exceeded in Upper Bitter Creek
¦ The sulfate criterion for public water supplies is exceeded in
the Green River reach, in Flaming Gorge Reservoir, in the Lyman
reach of the Blacks Fork, and in the Lower Hams Fork reach
¦ The level of total dissolved solids in the Green River reach has
important economic consequences for public water supply users
¦ Practices in the study area which change salinity loads or concen-
trations in the Green River system have important economic conse-
quences for water users on the Lower Colorado River
Existing and future salinity sources were identified in the next two chapters.
The most important conclusions arrived at in these two chapters with respect
to salinity were:
11-2
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¦
Large salinity loads are generated in the Bridger Valley and the
Big Sandy drainage in the Eden Valley
Large loads are carried by the Green River into the study area
Approximately half of the salinity load generated in the study
area is attributed to natural ground water discharges, while most
of the remaining salinity is delivered in irrigation return flows
The contact zone (see Figure 5-17) is the geographic area where
surface and subsurface activities have had and will continue to
have the most impact on salinity
The contact zone passes through the Bridger Valley and the Big
Sandy drainage in the Eden Valley
The area of Mancos-type shales in the Bitter Creek drainage has
the potential to generate large salinity loadings if recharge
sources such as reservoirs or irrigation are provided.
The coal export scenario predicts little change in salinity
concentrations within the study area or downstream while the
energy export scenario predicts little change Inconcwi-
streamS the StUdy area bu< a si9"'fi«nt increase down-
Diversions from Fontenelle Reservoir and Big Sandy Reservoir will
significantly change salinity concentrations in the Green River
and downstream in the Colorado River
A subplan for the control of salinity has been developed from the nine
options presented in Chapter 8. The goal of the subplan is to maintain
salinity levels at or below their existing levels in the Green River system
through the implementation of the most cost-effective controls. These
include all salinity controls which have the least cost to society without
any intolerably adverse environmental, social, or institutional impacts.
The evaluation of the nine salinity control options is accomplished on
Table ll-l according to the evaluation criteria described in the previous
section. An option has been rejected as an element of the subplan if:
¦ It does not appear technologically, legally or administratively
feasible
The responsible individual or agency cannot afford it in the
foreseeable future
It has a benefit-cost ratio of less than one, where it can be
computed
it has major adverse environmental or social impacts which cannot
be mitigated
11-3
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TabJe 1J -1
EVALUATION OF SALINITY CONTROL MEASURtS
Opinion of Cost Acceptability
Favorable Benefit-Cost Ratio
Opinion of Feasibility
Within Budgetary
Within Study
Opinion of Major Adverse Impacts
Option
Technological Legal
Administrative
Constraints
Area Only
Basinwlde
Environmental
Social
1. The Big Sandy River Unity study
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
U)
(D
None
None
1- Sprinkler Irrigation In Bridg«r
Valley
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not for farmers or ASCS.
Requires grant or cost-
sharing
No
Uncertain
Norte
Yes
3. Improvement of irrigation efficiencies
a. In Bridger Valley
b. In Eden Valley
c. In t»th
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not for farmers or ASCS.
Requires grant or cost-
sharing
No
Ho
No
Uncertain
Yes
Uncertain
None
None
None
Yes
Yes
Yes
4. Salinity control in Sublette County
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not with present priority
(1)
0)
Uncertain
Uncertain
5. Interception of ground water in the
Gig Sandy recharge area
Uncertain
Uncertain
Yes
Funding source Identified.
Funds not committed.
(I)
d>
Uncertain
Uncertain
6. No action
Yes
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
(1)
(1)
Yes
None
7. Salinity standards
Uncertain
Yes
Uncertain
Yes
<1)
(U
None
None
8. Control of water resources develop-
ment and drilling activities where
salts can be mobilized
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
O)
(1)
None
Uncertain
9. Consideration of diversion and
depletion impacts
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(1)
(1)
None
Uncertain
(I) Not computed.
-------
An amplification of some information presented on Table 11-1 and a summary
evaluation of each option are presented below:
¦ The Big Sandy River Unit Study. This option is recommended for
inclusion in the salinity control subplan. it appears to satisfy
the evaluation criteria presented in the previous section.
* Sprinkler Irrigation in Bridqer Valley. This option is recommend-
ed for further study. The possible types of studies are described
in Chapter 8. Several criteria necessary for implementation of
this option may not be satisfied. The lack of available funds
and an unfavorable benefit-cost ratio for the study area argue
rffinnmawSa.'Tediate imP'ernentat'°i">• The basinwide benefit-cost
inSJ P-r°Vn W unfavorable after more data are collected
in the study. Finally, social impacts may be intolerably severe-
farming is presently a part-time occupation in Bridqer Vallev
.'?1h2,S!S?S,X5,r,:OP,IOn "°U,d
" Improvement of Irrigation Efficiencies This ootion i* r-™«
mended for implementation in Eden Valley and for further sn?dv in
Bridger Valley. Basinwide benefit-cost ratios may not be favor-
able in Bridger Valley. The social impacts described for the
option above will also occur under this option. A loss of inde-
pendence and self-sufficiency may be realized by farmers and
ranchers in the two valleys. However, those in Eden Valley have
been prepared for this possibility by the active presence of the
Big Sandy River Unit study, and therefore the social impacts in
that valley may be surmountable.
¦ Salinity Control in Sublette County. This option is recommended
for further study. The only apparent roadblock to the study is a
low priority on the future funding list developed by the Depart-
ment of Environmental Quality. It is recommended that a salinity
study in Sublette County be undertaken at least at the cursory
level to justify the emphasis on salinity controls in the Eden
Valley and Bridger Valley.
¦ Interception of Ground Water in the Big Sandy Recharge Area.
This option is recommended for further study under the Big Sandy
River Unit study. The project may prove to be technologically
infeasible after further investigations on ground water movement
in the area. Legal questions may be raised on water right issues.
Environmental and social impacts are also possible, as described
in Chapter 8. However, this project merits further study because
of its potential to reduce salinity with apparently fewer severe
environmental and social impacts than other alternatives.
" No Action. This option is not recommended for the study area.
Health-related and economic-related problems have been attributed
to high salinity in the area's streams. Several salinity control
measures described in Chapter 8 appear to satisfy the criteria
11-5
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for implementation in Eden Valley and Bridger Valley. In Bitter
Creek, Killpecker Creek, and Hams Fork, no measures have been
found feasible to reduce existing salinity levels and eliminate
use impairments. However, future salinity increases in these
creeks may be controlled by implementing Option 8 or Option 9.
No action anywhere in the study area may be legally questionable
because of possible conflict with 40 CFR 120, which is the set of
EPA regulations on water quality standards. The legal question
will be decided in court because of a law suit brought by the
Environmental Defense Fund concerning the absence of instream
salinity standards in the Upper Colorado River Basin.
¦ Salinity Standards. Instream and influent salinity standards are
recommended for the protection of public water supplies and
wildlife and livestock watering. Economic-related instream
salinity standards are not recommended because there appears to
be no sound technological basis for them. However, a wasteload
allocation system for nonpoint sources and effluent standards for
point sources are recommended for implementation. The wasteload
allocation system for nonpoint sources is designed to maintain
nonpoint salinity loadings at their present level. Questions
have been raised about who should administer the system. DEQ
appears to be the best choice if jurisdictional questions can be
resolved.
¦ Control of Water Resources Development and Drilling Activities
Where Salts Can Be Mobilized. This option is recommended for
implementation. It may have some social impacts, such as pro-
moting water resources development and drilling outside the study
area. However, these impacts can be mitigated by consistent and
equitable regulation of future development and drilling activities
in the study area and in neighboring areas of Wyoming, Colorado,
Utah, and Idaho.
¦ Consideration of Diversion and Depletion Impacts. This option is
recommended for implementation. Some of the same social impacts
mentioned for the previous option may occur under this option.
Mitigation of these impacts appears possible,
In summary, the nine elements of the salinity control subplan are:
" Continuation of the Big Sandy River Unit study
¦ Inclusion in that study of an investigation on the feasibility of
ground water interception in the Big Sandy recharge area
¦ Implementation of measures to Improve irrigation efficiencies in
Eden Valley
¦ Initiation of feasibility studies on sprinkler irrigation and
other measures to improve irrigation efficiencies in Bridger
Valley
11-6
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Initiation of a salinity control study in Sublette County
¦ Adoption of instream and influent salinity standards for the
protection of public water supplies and livestock and wildlife
watering
¦ Adoption of effluent salinity standards for point sources and a
wasteload allocation program for nonpoint sources
¦ Regulation of water resources development and drilling activities
in the contact zone and in the areas of Cretaceous (Mancos-type)
shales
¦ Consideration of water quality impacts in all future projects
involving diversions or depletions.
The results of this program are expected to be fewer health-related impacts
for domestic water users in the study area, and lower economic costs of
water treatment for industry and domestic water users in the study area and
for downstream users outside the study area. It is likely that funds will
not be available to implement all the nine elements of the salinity control
subplan in the near future. Therefore, the elements of the salinity control
subplan and the elements of the other two subplans have been prioritized
according to importance and implementability in the final section of this
chapter.
It is important to note before proceeding to the phosphorus control subplan
that the benefit-cost analysis has shown no salinity control measures
favorable to the study area for economic reasons alone. However, favorable
benefit-cost ratios for several options have been calculated for the Colorado
River basin as a whole. Therefore, emphasis has been placed on transferring
some of the benefits gained by downstream users to those incurring costs in
the study area. This transfer was considered necessary in order to make
elements of the salinity control program implementable. The need for this
transfer adds a serious complication to the salinity control program,
however.
THE SUBPLAN FOR PHOSPHORUS CONTROL
Eutrophication, identified by the overabundance of algae in reservoirs, has
emerged as a significant water quality problem in the Southwestern Wyoming
planning area. Eutrophication can impair the recreational opportunities
afforded by the reservoirs in the area. As discussed in Chapter 3, eutrophic
conditions occur in the two arms of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, in the upstream
regions of Palisades Reservoir, and throughout Big Sandy Reservoir and
Woodruff Narrows Reservoir.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the most important recreational area in South-
western Wyoming. Economic benefits derived from recreation in that area
were estimated in Chapter 4 to total over $2 million annually to the study
area and over $6 million annually to areas outside of Southwestern Wyoming.
The case was made in that chapter that the spread of eutrophication through
the reservoir threatens those benefits because of the loss of game fisheries.
11-7
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Eutrophication can be measured by many different physical, chemical and
biological parameters. In this study, eutrophication was measured by the
clarity of the water, and water clarity in turn was found in Chapter 2 and
Chapter 3 to be closely linked to the amount of phosphorus in the water.
The theory was advanced that more available phosphorus caused more algae
growth, which made the water less clear.
Sources of phosphorus to Flaming Gorge Reservoir were identified and quanti-
fied in Chapter 5. Nonpoint sources were found to be the most important
phosphorus contributors. Geologic or natural erosion was estimated to
contribute 50-60 percent of the total phosphorus loadings to the two arms
of the reservoir. Other significant nonpoint sources were found to be
overgrazed lands and manure runoff. Municipal and private wastewater
treatment plants, the only important phosphorus point sources in the study
area, accounted for an estimated 11 percent of the total loading to the two
arms.
A phosphorus control subplan has been developed to control the significant
point and nonpoint sources identified in Chapter 5. The subplan has two
goals. The goal which has received more emphasis is the reduction of
phosphorus loadings to Flaming Gorge Reservoir to permissible or desirable
levels. These levels were defined in Chapter 9. A second goal of the
subplan is to control eutrophication in the other reservoirs of the area.
The phosphorus control subplan is a combination of the options presented in
Chapter 9. These twelve options are evaluated on Table 11-2. The same
evaluation criteria are used to judge the phosphorus control options as
were used for the salinity control options.
The evaluation presented on Table 11-2 clearly indicates that the phosphorus
control subplan will be more difficult to implement than the salinity
control subplan. There are many questions concerning the feasibility, cost
acceptability, and environmental and social impacts of the options. A
complete discussion of these points is included in Chapter 9. The informa-
tion is summarized below for each option.
a Point Source Reductions. This option is feasible, grants appear
to be obtainable in order to relieve the cost burdens on local
communities, and no major adverse environmental and social impacts
are apparent. The only drawback is that this option concerns
sources which deliver only 11 percent of the phosphorus to the
reservoir. If this option were implemented and phosphorus loadings
to Flaming Gorge Reservoir were reduced by 11 percent, phosphorus
levels would still be far above the permissible range, and little
change would be observed in water clarity (see Figure 6-14).
¦ Range Mangement. Can an overgrazed, desert-like environment be
revegetated to the degree where erosion is significantly con-
trolled? Can ranchers obtain water rights for off-channel water-
ing holes that may be required under this option? Will the Union
Pacific Railroad, which owns almost half the land where range
management practices are needed, be willing to fund, administer,
11-8
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Table U-2
EVALUATION OF PHOSPHORUS CONTROL MEASURES
Option
1. Point source reductions
2. Range management In Lower Muddy
Creek and Little Muddy Creek
drainages
3. Construction of channel modifica-
tions in Middle and Lower Bitter
Creek and tributaries
4. Construction of channel Improve-
ments and sedimentation ponds
In Upper fittter Creek, Kllfpecker
Creek, Muddy Creek, and Little
Muddy Creek
5. In-lake management
6. Manure control
7. Erosion control for construction
and mining activities
8. Consideration of future water
quality Impacts
9. Study of eutrophlcatlon In
Palisades Reservoir
10. Conversion to nonphosphatc
detergents
11. Adoption of phosphorus
standards
Opinion of Feasibility
Technological Legal Administrative
Yes Yes Yes
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain
12. Ho action
Yes
Yes
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Uncertain
Uncertain Uncertain
Yes Yes
Uncertain Uncertain
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes Uncertain
Yes Yes
Uncertain Yes
Yes
None
Nona
None
None
None
Indirectly yes
Yes
None
Yes
Yes
None
None
None
Indirectly yes
Yes
-------
or even permit the locally unpopular range management practices
required on their land under this option? Could range management
ever be socially acceptable in an area where the range management
alternatives so strongly militate against the "don't-fence-me-in"
attitude of the people? These difficult questions make the
implementation of this alternative look doubtful. Yet its implemen-
tation may be important to a successful phosphorus control subplan,
since overgrazing accounts for up to 25 percent of the total
phosphorus loadings.
Channel Modifications in Bitter Creek. This option appears
feasible and may have acceptable costs, particularly because of
possible flood control benefits to the Rock Springs area. Some
administrative difficulties may arise because of the necessity to
involve both a Federal agency (the Bureau of Land Management) and
the Union Pacific Railroad in this option. The four most important
criticisms of this option are environmental in nature. First,
structures called for under this option would impact visual
aesthetics, particularly for those travelling by railroad or by
car on 1-80. Second, a temporary increase in erosion may occur
during construction. Third, large areas of land in the Bitter
Creek basin are covered by highly saline Mancos-type shales, and
any actions which involve the impoundment of water may increase
ground water recharge and the leaching of these highly saline
formations. Finally, an important philosophical question is
whether largely geologic or natural erosion processes should be
controlled for the benefit of recreationalists using an artificial
impoundment such as Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Channel Improvements and Sedimentation Ponds in the Bitter
Creek and Muddy Creek Drainages. This option appears technolo-
gically feasible, but water rights would have to be obtained for
any offchannel sedimentation ponds and administration may be
difficult because it involves a Federal agency (BLM) and the
Union Pacific Railroad. Costs are uncertain, but may be unaccep-
tably high. The same four environmental concerns noted for the
previous option would also occur under this option.
In-lake Management. This option may be technologically impossible
in such a large water body. Environmental impacts may be severe
because of the addition of large amounts of toxic chemicals to
the reservoir.
Manure Control. The same concerns brought up under the range
management option apply to this option. Manure control may be
important to a successful phosphorus control subplan, because
manure runoff roughly accounts for 11 percent of the total phos-
phorus loading to the two arms of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Erosion Control for Construction and Mining. This option has
already been addressed at the State level, and appears implement-
able for many large private and public projects. Except for
11-10
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channel ization of streams, however, the construction of highways,
railroads, and housing appears to have had little regional impact
on phosphorus and sediment loadings.
¦ Consideration of Future Water Quality Impacts. This option
appears to satisfy all the criteria necessary for implementation.
* Study of Eutrophication in Palisades Reservoir. This option
appears to satisfy all the criteria necessary for implementation.
¦ Conversion to Nonphosphate Detergents. This option addresses
some of the same phosphorus sources as the first option on point
source reductions. However, its benefit-cost ratio is much less
favorable than the one for the other option and it has a lower
phosphorus reduction potential. Therefore, this option is not
recommended for inclusion in the phosphorus control subplan.
¦ Adoption of Phosphorus Standards. This option appears to be
implementable and to have acceptable costs. Because of the
uncertainties in the other options, it is not clear at this time
if the phosphorus standards recommended in this option are achiev-
able.
" No Action. This option has legal, environmental, and social
uncertainties. It may be legally questionable because of a
possible conflict with 40 CFR 120, EPA's regulations on water
quality standards. The environmental impacts would be the
eventual loss of the reservoir to eutrophication. Social impacts
may include a loss of jobs in the recreation and tourist indus-
tries, and a loss in social esteem because of the degradation of
a national recreation area.
Because of the many questions concerning the eutrophication control program,
a cautious approach has been taken. The program has been divided into a
short-range and a long-range subplan. Three of the twelve options are
recommended for short-range implementation in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
watershed and four for short-range study. The options recommended for
implementation include in-lake management (No. 5), erosion control for
construction and mining (No. 7), and consideration of water quality impacts
in future water development projects (No. 8). In order to treat the primary
causes of eutrophication in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and reduce phosphorus
loadings to permissible levels, however, geologic or natural erosion and
overgrazing must be controlled. Four options (No. 2-4 and No. 6) address
the control of these phosphorus sources. Because of uncertainties about
the effectiveness of these options, and because of the major adverse environ-
mental and social impacts which may be caused by them, these options have
been recommended for further study rather than implementation.
The point source reduction option was evaluated and found to be imple-
mentable; however, it has not been recommended for implementation in the
short-range. The option can be effective at reducing at most 11 percent of
the total phosphorus loading to the two arms of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
11-11
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At least a 75 percent reduction is needed to achieve permissible loading
levels. The thesis advanced in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, and substantiated
in Chapter 6 through modeling, is that not much change in reservoir quality
will be observed until permissible levels are attained. Therefore, it was
judged to be more important to divert the limited funds in the short-range
to the feasibility studies on range management and geologic erosion controls,
as well as implementation of certain other options in the phosphorus control
subplan and the two other subplans.
The long-range plan is contingent on the results of the studies on control
of geologic or natural erosion and overgrazing. If the four options address-
ing these sources are found to be implementable and effective, the long-range
plan would include the following options: point source control (No. 1);
range management and/or structural controls in Lower Muddy Creek and Little
Muddy Creek (No. 2, No. 4, and No. 6); structural controls in Bitter Creek
(No. 3 and No. 4); and phosphorus standards for Flaming Gorge Reservoir
(No. 12). The short-range plan (No. 5, No. 7 and No. 8) would also be
continued. If the four natural erosion and grazing control options are
found either not implementable or not effective, then the program would be
reduced to a continuation of two elements in the short-range program (No. 7
and No. 8) along with either continued in-lake management (No. 5) or no
action (No. 12).
The options involved in the short-range and long-range subplans are listed
on Table 11-3. Figure 11-1 shows the eutrophication control plan if long-
range options are implemented. Phosphorus loads will increase under the
energy export scenario or coal export scenario because of population growth.
The phosphorus loading goal to the two arms of the reservoir was determined
in Chapter 9 and is equal to 121 tons per year (87 tons per year to the
Green River Arm plus 34 tons per year to the Blacks Fork Arm). The figure
shows the large gap between the goal and the existing phosphorus loading
levels.
A decision point is called out in the figure during 1982, which corresponds
to the expected completion date of the grazing environment statement prepared
by BLM for the Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek areas. Until this date,
the short-range plan would be in effect. As shown in the figure, it has no
significant impact on existing loadings to the reservoir. However, the
short-range plan may be capable of reaching a water quality goal of fishable/
swimmable waters temporarily through a combination of the preventative
(Options 7 and 8), and the palliative (Option 5). On that date, the decision
would be made on the effectiveness and implementability of the geologic
erosion and grazing control measures. This decision would be made jointly
by SWWQPA or other designated 208 agency and by DEQ.
The figure indicates a possible long-range plan if the geologic erosion and
grazing controls were found implementable and effective. The slopes of the
lines on Figure 11-1 indicate an estimate of the time required for implemen-
tation of the options. It has been estimated that it would take 2 years to
design and construct phosphorus removal facilities at the municipal wastewater
treatment plants and 10 years to implement all the controls of geologic
erosion and grazing called out in the long-range plan. Given the rough
11-12
-------
Table 11-3
PHOSPHORUS CONTROL SUBPLAN
SHORT-RANGE SUBPLAN
Implementation
5. In-lake management
7. Erosion control for construction
and mining activities
8. Consideration of future water
quality impacts
LONG-RANGE SUBPLAN "A"
(Geologic erosion and overgrazing
options not feasible)
Implementation
7. Erosion control for construction
and mining activities
8. Consideration of future water
quality impacts
12. No action (or perhaps continued
in-lake management)
Further Study
2. Range management
3. Channel modifications in Bitter
Creek
<1. Channel improvements and
sedimentation ponds in Bitter
Creek, Killpecker Creek,
Muddy Creek. Little Muddy
Creek
6. Manure control
9. Eutrophication in Palisades Reservoir
LONG-RANGE SUBPLAN "B"
(Geologic erosion and overgrazing
options feasible
Implementation
1. Point source reductions
2. Range management
3. Channel modifications In
Bitter Creek
1. Channel improvements and
sedimentation ponds in Bitter
Creek, Killpecker Creek,
Muddy Creek, and Little Muddy
5. In-lake management
6. Manure control
7. Erosion control for construction
and mining activities
8. Consideration of future water
quality impacts
11. Adoption of phosphorus standards
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estimates of maximum possible effectiveness made in Chapter 9, the implemen-
tation of all elements in the long-range plan would not reduce phosphorus
loadings to the permissible goal. Some in-lake management may still be
needed.
It is likely the funds will not be available to implement all eight elements
of the short-range phosphorus control subplan. Therefore, the elements of
the short-range phosphorus control subplan and the elements of the other
two subplans have been priortized according to importance and implementa-
bility in the final section of this chapter.
THE SUBPLAN FOR OTHER ISSUES
Besides salinity and eutrophication, there are a number of other issues
that this 208 Plan must address. Some relate to management considerations,
some to institutional questions, and others directly to water quality
problems. A subplan for these other issues has been developed from the
11 options presented in Chapter 10. The evaluation of these 11 options is
accomplished on Table 11-4 according to the evaluation criteria described
earlier. An amplification of some information shown on Table 11-4 and a
summary evaluation of each option are presented below:
Management of Individual Waste Systems. This option is recommended
for implementation. The option calls on local governments to
administer the septic tank program described in this option;
however, local governments appear reluctant to add staff needed
to take on these responsibilities. Additional staff may mean
additional unwanted costs for local governments. The program has
been designed to be self-sufficient, but the State may have to
absorb some water quality monitoring costs and local governments
may have to absorb some administration costs.
¦ Alternatives to Option 1. One alternative, conversion to central-
ized treatment, is being accomplished in Mountain View and Lyman,
and can be addressed in the 201 Facilities Plan for Fort Bridger.
Not all septic tank systems will be eliminated by centralized
treatment in those areas, however. A second alternative, the
abandonment of the ground water system for public water supplies,
is also largely being done. This action will eliminate some
contaminated well sources, but will not correct or prevent failing
septic tanks, which can continue to pollute surface and ground
waters and impair beneficial water uses. While the conversion
and abandonment alternatives are presently being implemented and
will eliminate some water quality problems, they do not appear to
supplant the need for a better septic tank management system,
such as the one described in Option 1. The third alternative,
irrigation water management, is also encouraged but appears to be
a long way from implementation in Bridger Valley.
¦ Point Source Fecal Coliform Reductions. This option is recommended
for implementation. The environmental effects of the residual
chlorine in the effluent should be monitored closely, however.
11-15
-------
Table 11-1
EVALUATION OF OTHER CONTROL MEASURES
Option
1. Management of Individual Waste
Systems
2. Alternatives to Option 1
3. Point Source Fecal Conform
Reductions
4. Point Source BOD Reductions
5. Eutrophication Controls to Increase
Dissolved Oxygen
6. Manure Control
7. Use-Based Approach to Water
Quality
8. Heavy Metals Standards
9. Water Quality Monitoring
o>
10. Institution Responsibilities for
Sewage Treatment
Technological
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Opinion of Feasibility
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Uncertain
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Administrative
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
Yes
Uncertain
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
11. Ongoing 20B Planning Agency
Yes
Yes
Yes
(1) Funding source identified. Funds not committed.
Opinion of Cost Acceptability Opinion of Major Adverse Impacts
(Within Budgetary Constraints) Environmental Social
(1)
None
None
Uncertain
Yes
Yes
Uncertain
Yes
None
Yes
(1)
None
Yes
None
Yes
No
(1)
None
None
Yes
None
(1)
Yes
Yes
None
None
None
None
None
None
Uncertain
None
None
-------
¦
Point Source BOD Reduction. This option is largely being imple-
mented and its complete implementation is recommended.
Eutrophication Controls to Increase Dissolved Oxygen. The resei—
vations concerning the eutrophication control program were dis-
cussed in the previous section on the subplan for phosphorus
control. This option should be implemented according to the
schedule recommended in that section.
Manure Control. This option is not recommended for implementation
'n near future. As described in the previous section, there
appears to be serious questions concerning its feasibility, its
cost acceptability, and its social impacts.
Use-Based Approach to Water Quality. This option is recommended
for implementation. The locally established water quality goal
StiSS'lrS Pf"°widu ad?c'uate water quality for the needs of the
study area, and therefore, it is recommended over the national
gSZ &5d bfiaiSd. The S,UdleS und«- this
men.at|ona'"Y Mo""°r'ia- Thls <*»'<>" I. recommended for impie-
¦ Institutional Responsibility for Sewage Treatment. Thlc
is recommended for implementation. —
¦ Ongoing 208 Planning. This option is recommended for imple-
mentation. Some additional staff may be needed at the local
level to implement this option. Some local funds may also have
to be expended in 208-related projects. The additional staff and
funds are considered necessary to retain a local influence over
water quality issues which have a major impact on the study area.
THE RECOMMENDED PLAN
The recommended 208 Water Quality Management Plan for the Southwestern
Wyoming area is a combination of the subplan for salinity control, the
subplan for phosphorus control, and the subplan for other issues. These
subplans have been described in the previous sections. In the opinion of
the SWWQPA staff and its consultants, the elements in each of those subplans
constitute the most cost-effective set of controls which address the major
water quality problems in the study area and which do not have intolerably
severe environmental and social impacts. Most of the elements are contro-
versial in some way, and the plan is likely to change somewhat as it goes
through an approval process involving SWWQPA, designated management agencies,
the State of Wyoming, and EPA.
The recommended water quality management plan has 29 elements. Each of
these elements has a management agency to implement it and a cost associated
11-17
-------
with it. The management agencies recommended for each element and estimated
costs are listed on Table 11-5. Information on management agencies and
costs is discussed in more detail in Chapters 8-10.
Funds will probably not be available to implement all of the elements of
the three subplans. Therefore, the elements have been prioritized according
to their apparent implementability and their estimated effectiveness in
alleviating water quality problems. The priority list for the 29 elements
Is presented on Table 11-6. At the head of the list is a 208 Plan update
in 1983. This element is considered to be extremely important for four
reasons. An update can keep water quality issues in the public eye. An
update can provide a process through which to assimilate the new information
on geologic erosion and grazing controls and conclude whether an aggressive
phosphorus control program for Flaming Gorge Reservoir is feasible. An
update can identify any new water quality problems in the rapidly developing
Southwestern Wyoming area. Finally, an update can be a medium through
which to assemble the various agencies and individuals involved in water
quality management and to coordinate their efforts.
The 208 planning process in Southwestern Wyoming started three years ago
with lofty ideals of alleviating the water quality problems in the area.
To an outsider, the final plan presented in this chapter appears to be far
from achieving those ideals. Most of the elements are further studies,
more data collection programs, or new administrative responsibilities. Few
elements involve the direct implementation of controls to reduce salinity,
phosphorus, or other pollutants.
If shattered dreams are laid aside for a minute, however, it is clear that
water quality planning has come a long way in Southwestern Wyoming. Six
badly needed wastewater treatment facilities were designed with 208 funds.
Some serious water quality problems were discovered in the area, and a
consensus was reached on the most serious of these. Problems were quantified
in terms of dollars wherever possible, as were the controls of the problems.
This information was developed over the first two years of the study, and
provided the basis for a draft water quality management plan, which first
appeared one year ago.
Over the last year of the project, the alternative control options have
been reviewed by those impacted by them. The subplans have been revised
three times in order to present an implementable program in the final
Technical Report and Management Plan. That year of review and compromise
has not stilled all controversy surrounding elements of the plan, and yet
it has brought many of the elements closer to acceptability and implemen-
tation. Realistically, some of the elements in their present form may
never be implemented because of objections by one or more concerned agencies
and individuals.
Along with a revised and more implementable water quality management plan,
the year of review has produced in many of the management agencies a
concern about water quality issues and an understanding of some of the
trade-offs involved in controlling the problems. It is that concern and
that understanding which may be the most important products of this 208 water
11-18
-------
Table 11-5
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT PLAN
________ Element _____
General
A continuation of the Big Sandy River Unit study
A study of ground water interception in the Big Sandy
rectarge area
A study of sprinkler Irrigation in Qrldger Valley
Adoption of influent and Instream water quality standards
for public water supplies and Instream water quality
standards for wildilfe and livestock watering
Adoption of effluent salinity standards for point sources
and i wasteioad allocation program for nonpoint sources
Control of water resources development and drilling activities
Consideration of diversion and depletion impacts
Improvement of irrigation efficiencies in Eden Valley
A study of salinity controls in Sublette County
Phosphorus Control
Other
A 200 Plan update In 1993
Control
A study of range management
A study of channel improvements and sedimentation ponds
on Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek
Consideration of future water quality impacts
A study of In-lake management
Erosion controls for construction and mining activities
A study of channel improvements and sedimentation ponds
In Bitter Creek drainage basin
A study of manure controls
A study of channel modifications In Bitter Creek
A study of eutrophlcation In Palisades Reservoir
Management of Individual waste systems
Alternatives to Option \ for Brldger Valley
Point source reductions of fecal conform
Water quality monitoring
Clarification of instutltional responsibilities for sewage treatment
Identification of ongoing 208 planning agency
Point source reductions of BOD
Adoption of a use-based approach to water quality
A study of manure controls
Development of heavy metals standards
Management Agency
EPA
BR, SCS
BR
SCS
DEQ
OEQ, SE
BLM, BR. DEQ, SE, OCC
SE
LCD
DEQ
BUM
SLM
DEQ. SE. EPA
USFS
DEQ, WHD
SWWQPA
WCC
SWWQPA
EPA
Counties
EPA. BR, towns In
Brldger Valley
DEQ
USCS, DEQ
SWWQPA
SWWQPA
DEQ
OEQ
WCC
WCF
Estimated Cost
» 90,000
Not determined
$ SO, 000-$200,000
* S0r 000->1 50, OGO
Not determined
(2)
Not determined
Not determined
Not determined
$150,000-$300,000/yr
$ 20. 0Q0-U0Q, 000
$ 25, 000-$ 60.000
$ 25, 000-$ 60.000
Not determined
$250, 000-$300.000/yr
Not determined (2)
$ 20,000-1200.000
Not determined
$ 50.000-$150, 000
$ 20, 000-$200, 000
$30C-a00/unlt
Not determined
$500,000
Not determined
No direct cost
No direct cost
No additional cost
Not determined
Not determined
Not determined
(1) Agency abbreviations:
SWWQPA Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planning Association DEQ
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SE
BR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation OCC
SCS Soli Conservation Service WHD
BLM U.S- Bureau of Land Management WCC
USFS U.S. Forest Service WCF
USCS U.S Geological Survey LCD
(2) Adequate cost information not opiatnabie. Secondary costs of this element may be large.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
State Engineer
Wyoming Oil and Cas Commission
Wyoming Highway Department
Wyoming Conservation Commission
Wyoming Came and Fish Department
Local Conservation Districts
11-19
-------
Table 11-6
PRIORITY RANKING OF PLAN ELEMENTS
HIGHEST PRIORITY ELEMENTS
General
¦ A 208 Plan update in 1983
Salinity Control
¦ A continuation of the Big Sandy River Unit study
¦ A study of ground water interception in the Big Sandy
recharge area
¦ A study of sprinkler irrigation in Bridger Valley
¦ Adoption of influent and instream water quality standards
for public water supplies and instream water quality
standards for wildlife and livestock watering
¦ Adoption of effluent salinity standards for point sources,
and a wasteload allocation program for nonpoint sources
¦ Control of water resources development and drilling
activities
¦ Consideration of diversion and depletion impacts
Phosphorus Control
¦ A study of range management
B A study of channel improvements and sedimentation
ponds on Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek
¦ Consideration of future water quality impacts
Other Issues
¦ Management of Individual waste systems
¦ Alternatives to Option 1 for Bridger Valley
¦ Point source reductions of fecal coliform
¦ Water quality monitoring
¦ Clarification of institutional responsibilities for sewage
treatment
o Identification of ongoing 208 planning agency
11-20
-------
Table 11 -6 (Cont.)
HIGH PRIORITY ELEMENTS
Salinity Control
¦ Improvement of irrigation efficiencies in Eden Valley
¦ A study of salinity controls in Sublette County
Phosphorus Control
¦ A study of in-lake management
¦ Erosion controls for construction and mining activities
¦ A study of channel improvements and sedimentation
ponds in the Bitter Creek drainage basin
Other Issues
¦ Point source reductions of BOD
* Adoption of a use-based approach to water quality
LOWER PRIORITY ELEMENTS
Phosphorus Control
¦ A study of manure controls
¦ A study of channel modifications in Bitter Creek
¦ A study of eutrophication in Palisades Reservoir
Other Issues
¦ A study of manure controls
¦ Development of heavy metals standards
11-21
-------
quality planning process. They can be the seeds from which an implementable,
and integrated water quality management program for Southwestern Wyoming
can grow.
11-22
-------
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 2—WATER QUALITY CR1TERJA
CH2M HILL. Dec. 1976. Interim clean water report for Southwestern Wyoming.
CH2M HILL Project No. D9524.E0.
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. June 1975. Water quality
standards for salinity including numeric criteria and pian of implementation
for salinity control—Colorado River system. Draft copy.
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. Aug. 1975. Supplement including
modifications to "Proposed water quality standards for salinity including
numeric criteria and plan of implementation for salinity control Colorado
River system, June 1 975."
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. Feb. 1977. Policy for imple-
mentation of the Colorado River salinity standards through the NPDES permit
program.
Davies, Patrick H., and Goettl, John P. July 1 976. Aquatic life—Water
quality recommendations for heavy metals and other inorganic toxicants in
fresh water.
Deets, Neil A. Feb. 1977. Correspondence to SWWQPA concerning reivew by
U.S. Forest Service of the Interim clean water report for Southwestern
Wyoming.
Dufek, David J. June 1977. Correspondence to CH2M HILL from Green River
Area, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, concerning fisheries in the study
area.
Dunning, Glen. June 1S77. Correspondence to CH2M HILL from Pinedale Area,
Wyoming Game and Fish Department, concerning fisheries in the study area.
Enden, Albert C. Feb. 1977. Correspondence to SWWQPA concerning review by
Department of Environmental Sanitation, Sweetwater County, of the Interim
clean water report for Southwestern Wyoming.
Facciani, Stephen, and Wiley, Robert W. Feb. 1977. Correspondence to SWWQPA
concerning review by Game and Fish Department of the Interim clean water
report for Southwestern Wyoming.
McKee, Jack Edward, and Wolf, Harold W. 1963. Water quality criteria.
National Academy of Science and National Academy of Engineering. 1972. Water
quality criteria 1972.
Ostrom, Jerry K. Feb. 1977. Correspondence to SWWQPA concerning review by
Rock Springs District of ELM of the Interim ciean water report for South-
western Wyoming.
-------
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1954. Diagnosis and improvement of saline
and alkali soils. In Agricultural Handbook 60.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1972. Proceedings of the Seventh
Session of the conference in the matter of pollution of the interstate
waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries—Colorado, New Mexico,
Arizona, California, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah. Volume I. Conference held
in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 15-17, 1972.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Oct. 1975. Quality criteria for water.
Prepublication draft.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sept. 1976. National interim primary
drinking water regulations. EPA-570/9-76-003.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nov. 1976. Guidelines for State and
Areawide Water Quality Management Program Development.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Aug. 1974. Wyoming water
quality rules and regulations, 1974. Chapter I. Water Qual ity Standards
for Wyoming.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Qual ity. Oct. 1 976. Stream classifica-
tions in Wyoming.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Qual ity. Feb. 1977. Correspondence to
SWWQPA concerning interim report on water quality.
Wyoming Department of Envrionmental Qual ity. Oct. 1977. Wyoming Water
Pollution Control Program Plan for Fiscal Year 1Q78.
Wyoming State Engineer's Office. 1977. Correspondence to SWWQPA con-
cerning the review of the Interim clean water report for Southwestern
Wyoming.
CHAPTER 3—EXISTING INSTREAM WATER QUALITY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. National eutrophication survey,
preliminary reports on Bear Lake, Big Sandy Reservoir, Flaming Gorge
Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir, Seminoe Reservoir, Viva Naughton Reservoir,
and Woodruff Narrows Reservoir.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. 1977. State of Wyoming water
quality inventory, 1976, 305(B) report.
Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute. Nov. 1972. An inventory and
evaluation of the game and fish resources of the Upper Green River in
relation to current and proposed water development programs.
-------
CHAPTER 4—ECONOMICS OF USE IMPAIRMENT
Culligan Water Conditioning Company, Denver, Colorado. June 1977. Personal
communication.
Heckathorn, B. Soil Conservation Service, Casper, Wyoming. Aug. 1977.
Personal communication.
Kite, Rodney C., and Schutz, Willard D. Aug. 1967. Economic impact on
Southwestern Wyoming of recreationists visiting Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Prepared by Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Wyoming,
Laramie WY. Research Journal 11.
U.S. Department of the Interior. 1973. Final environmental statement for
the prototype oil-shale leasing program. Vol. I-IV. Washington D.C.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1972. Proceedings of the Seventh
Session of the conference in the matter of pollution of the interstate
waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries—Colorado, New Mexico,
Arizona, California, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah. Volume I. Conference
held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 15-17, 1972.
U.S. Forest Service. 1969-1976. Recreational Statistics (RIM), Vernal, Utah.
Wyoming Came and Fish Commission and Utah State Division of Fish and Game.
1964-1975. Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir post-impoundment
investigations, progress reports.
Wyoming Came & Fish Department. 1975. Hunting and Fishing Expenditure
Survey.
Wyoming Came & Fish Department and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
1976. Fisherman-day estimates for Flaming Corge Reservoir.
Wyoming State Engineer and U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1978.
Cooperative River Has in Study, Green River Basin, Wyoming.
CHAPTER 5—CONTAMINANT SOURCES
McClellan, John. Soil Conservation Service, Casper, Wyoming. June 1977.
Personal communication.
Singleton, P. C. Aug. 1968. Characterization data of selected soils from
Sweetwater and Fremont Counties, Wyoming. Prepared by Agricultural Experi-
ment Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie WY. Science Monograph 13.
Soil Conservation Service. May 1975. Plan of study for VSDA participation
in salinity control investigation for the Big Sandy River Unit, Wyoming,
draft.
Soil Conservation Service. Aug. 1976. USDA plan of study for the Big Sandy
River Unit, Colorado River Basin salinity control study, State of Wyoming.
-------
U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Feb. 1978. The effects of surface disturbance
on the salinity of public lands in the Upper Colorado River Basin.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. June 1975. Salinity and sediment study—Upper
Colorado River Basin—Utah, Colorado, Wyoming.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. May 1976. Agricultural base of the Green
River Basin, Wyoming. Preliminary report. Prepared by the Green River
Basin Type IV Study Team.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1971. The mineral quality problems
in the Colorado River Basin, summary report.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1972. Proceedings of the Seventh
Session of the conference in the matter of pollution of the interstate
waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries—Colorado, New Mexico,
Arizona, California, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah. Volume I. Conference
held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 15-17, 1972.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976. National eutrophication survey,
preliminary reports on Bear Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Palisades
Reservoir, and Woodruff Narrows Reservoir.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. 1977. State of Wyoming water
quality inventory, 1976, 305(B) report.
Yellowstone-Tongue Areawide Planning Organization. Agricultural report, water
quality management project, Broadus, Montana.
Zeizel, Eugene P. Dec. 1976. Agricultural activities and water quality in
Teton County, Wyoming.
CHAPTER 6—FUTURE WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS
CH2M HILL. Dec. 1976. Interim clean water report for Southwestern Wyoming.
CH2M HILL Project No. D9524.E0.
CH2M HILL. 1977. Green River-Flaming Gorge Reservoir water quality model.
CH2M HILL Project No. D10219.A0.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Sept. 1976. Sublette project investigation-
Resource base appendix. Draft report. Prepared by Upper Colorado Region
Office of USBR, Salt Lake City UT.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. June 1976. Working paper for Green River
Basin, Wyoming—The economic base. Prepared by the Green River Basin
Type IV Study Team.
U.S. Department of the Interior. Sept. 1974. Final environmental impact
statement: Proposed contract for sale of municipal and industrial water
from Fontenelle Reservoir Seedskadee Project, Wyoming.
-------
Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute. July 25, 1977a. Draft report,
Future water qualify conditions in the Green River and in Flaming Gorge
Reservoir.
Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute. Aug. 1977b. Computer simula-
tion of future scenarios utilizing the Green River model.
Wyoming Water Resources Research Institute. Apr. 1978. Supplemental
report on water quality predictions using the Green River model.
CHAPTER 7—FXISTING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Aug. 1975. Guidelines for State
and areawide water quality management program development. Washington D.C.
Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and Development. Nov. 1975. The
legal basis for planning and land use in Wyoming—A state, county, and
city handbook.
CHAPTER 8--CONTROLS FOR SALINITY
Burman, Robert D.. and Loudon, Ted. June 1967. Evapotranspiration and
irrigation efficiency studies, Farson pilot farm. Prepared for Agri-
cultural Experiment Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie Wy.
Research Journal 10.
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. Feb. 1977. Policy for imple-
mentation of the Colorado River salinity standards through the NPDES permit
program.
Skogerboe, GaylordV., Consulting Engineer. June 1973. Impact of proposed
China Meadows Dam upon salinity in the Colorado River Basin. Prepared for
the State Engineer's Office, State of Wyoming, Cheyenne.
Tagart, R. J., Agee, D. E., and Clark, R. T. June 1971. Economic appraisal
of irrigation systems for the Green River Basin Wyoming. Prepared by
Agricultural Extension Service, University of Wyoming, Laramie WY.
Bulletin 548.
Wedemeyer, W. Gary, and Dobbs, Thomas L. June 1974. Financing and feasi-
bility of center-pivot sprinkler irrigation systems in Wyoming. Prepared
by Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie WY.
Research Journal 72.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. 1977. Wyoming water quality
rules and regulations. Chapter 7.
CHAPTER 9—CONTROLS FOR EUTROPHJCATION
Dinger, Carolyn. Water Quality Division, Wyoming Department of Environmental
Quality. Aug. 1977. Persona! communication.
-------
Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Board of State Sanitary Engineers. 1968.
Recommended standards for sewage works. Albany NY.
McTernan, William F. July 1977. Water quality determinations, mined lands
areas, northeastern Wyoming. Draft copy. Submitted to the Powder River
Areawide Planning Organization.
The Soap and Detergent Association. June 1977. The economic impact on
consumers of a detergent phosphate ban.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 1976. Twentieth annual report, Colorado River
storage project and participating projects, fiscal year 1976.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. May 1976. Agricultural base of the Green
River Basin, Wyoming. Preliminary report. Prepared by the Green River
Basin Type IV Study Team.
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. 1967. Manual of septic-
tank practice. Cincinnati OH.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. National eutrophication survey,
preliminary reports on Big Sandy Reservoir, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Pali-
sades Reservoir, Viva Naughton Reservoir, and Woodruff Narrows Reservoir.
Vollenweider, Dr. Richard A. Sept. 30, 1970. Scientific fundamentals of
the eutrophication of lakes and flowing waters, with particular reference
to nitrogen and phosphorus as factors in eutrophication. Paris:
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Feb. 1975. Wyoming water
quality rules and regulations 1975. Chapter III Regulations for Permit
to Construct, Install, or Modify Public Water Supplies and Wastewater
Facilities in Wyoming.
Wyoming State Soil and Water Conservation Needs Committee. June 1970.
Wyoming soil and water conservation needs inventory.
CHAPTER 10—CONTROLS FOR OTHER ISSUES
Stewart, David E. Legal, Planning and Economic Considerations of Onsite
Sewerage Systems. Prepared for the Small Scale Waste Management Project,
University of Wisconsin, 1974.
Wyoming Attorney General V. Frank Mendicino and Special Assistant Attorney
General Steve F. Freudenthal. Letter dated June 2, 1976, to Carbon
County Attorney.
-------
APPENDIX A
WATER QUALITY AND FLOW
Monitoring Stations
Reach Station Description
1 Snake River above reservoir near Alpine
2 Greys River above reservoir near Alpine, WY
3 Crow Creek near Fairview, WY
4 Salt River above reservoir, Etna, WY
5 Palisades Reservoir
Bear River south of WY border-USCS
Bear River near Utah-Wyoming station
Bear River above Bear River Ranger Station
Bear River south of Route 89 bridge,
Evanston
Bear River above reservoir near
Bear River north of Evanston
Bear River 5.5 miles north of Woodruff
Bear River below reservoir near Woodruff
Bear River below Woodruff Narrows Reservoir
Bear River 2 miles east of Woodruff
Woodruff Narrows Reservoir
Bear River south end Woodruff
9 Bear River at Cokevilie 5432
10 Bear River at bridge 0.25 mile west
10-WY border
Bear River at Border from bridge
Bear River at Border, WY
Thomas Fork at Highway 30 bridge at mouth
Thomas Fork near Wyoming-Idaho station
Thomas Fork Creek at mouth at Highway 30
bridge
Thomas Fork near Border, WY
STORET or ,W-RDS
Number
13022500
13023000
13025000
13027500
161001,-002, -003,
-004,-005
000001-10011500
10011500
491456-B458.45
5424
10020100
5425
000003
10020300
00002A-10020300
000002
561301,-302
5428
153596-151039
2080073
10039500
153564
10041000
2080080
10042700
-------
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Twin Creek at Sage, WY
10027000
Green River near LaBarge, WY
Green River below LaBarge
Green River above LaBarge
Green River below Fontenelle Reservoir, WY
Green River above Big Sandy Reservoir
Green River south of Fontenelle
Green River at Big Island, near
Green River at Big Island bridge
Green River near Green River, WY
Green River at Green River, WY
Green River at USGS gauging station
at Green River
Green River above Jamestown
Green River below Jamestown
Green River below Green River, WY
Green River at FMC Rec. bridge
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
LaBarge Creek near LaBarge Meadows
LaBarge Creek above Green River
confluence
Fontenelle Creek near Herschler Ranch
Fontenelle Creek at Buchas Ranch
Slate Creek at Highway 189
Big Sandy Reservoir
Big Sandy River below Eden, WY
Big Sandy River at 187 bridge north
of Farson
Big Sandy River at Simpson Gulch
09209400
5370
5371
09211200
5368
5369
09216300
5367
09217000
09216500
5365
5366
5362
09217010
5364
560501
560503,-504,-505
09208000
5372
09210500
5373
5374
560101,-102
09216000
5394
1280
-------
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
33
Big Sandy River at Casson bridge, north
Big Sandy above mouth 5395
Big Sandy 26 miles below Farson
Pacific Creek above Jack Morrow Creek
near Farson
North Pacific Creek near Farson, WY
Pacific Creek near Farson, WY
Jack Morrow Creek near Farson, WY
Jack Morrow Creek, Site A
Bitter Creek above Salt Wells Creek
near Salt
Bitter Creek 6 miles east of Salt Wells
Bitter Creek at railroad bridge, 0.25
mile east of Rock Springs
Bitter Creek near Green River
Bitter Creek below Little Bitter Creek
Bitter Creek at Husky station east
of Flaming Gorge Road
Bitter Creek near Rock Springs STP,
downstream
Bitter Creek 3 miles east of Green River
Bitter Creek at Green River confluence
Salt Wells Creek near Salt Wells
Salt Wells southeast of Rock Springs
East Salt Wells Creek south-southeast
of Rock Springs
Killpecker Creek at Rock Springs
Killpecker Creek at wool warehouse,
Rock Springs
Blacks Fork near Millburne, WY
Blacks Fork near Millburne
Blacks Fork near Lyman, WY
Blacks Fork at Granger bridge
Blacks Fork at confluence with Hams Fork
Blacks Fork River near Little America
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
-------
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
West Fork of Smiths Fork near Robe
Smiths Fork near Robertson, WY
East Fork of Smiths Fork near Robe
East Fork of Smiths Fork near Robertson
West Fork of Smiths Fork near Robertson
Smiths Fork near Lyman, WY
Smiths Fork, Route 30, east of Lyman
Smiths Fork at Cottonwood Creek confluence
Muddy Creek near Hampton, WY
Muddy Creek above Rock Creek near Carter,
WY
Little Muddy Creek near mouth near
Hampton, WY
Little Muddy Creek near Glencoe, WY
Little Muddy Creek above North Fork
near Glencoe
North Fork Little Muddy Creek at Blazon
Junction
North Fork Little Muddy Creek tributary
no. 1 near Elko
North Fork Little Muddy Creek tributary
no. 2 near Elko
Viva Naughton Reservoir
Hams Fork Black Pole Creek near Front
Hams Fork near Diamondville, WY
Hams Fork above Kemmerer
Hams Fork near Granger, WY
Hams Fork at Granger 5390
Henrys Fork at Linwood, Utah
Henrys Fork near Lonetree, Utah
Vermillion Creek near Hiawatha Creek
09220500
09221000
09220000
1275
1274
09221650
5420
5422
09222400
412522110295001
413316110162401
09222300
413517110340001
414127110332301
414351 1 1D340501
414351110340901
561201,-202,-203
09223000
09224050
5393
09224450
09229500
09226000
09235300
(1) WRDS are 4-digit numbers; others are from STORET.
-------
Table B-l
INDUSTRIAL SALINITY .COSTS—PRESENT-DAY DEVELOPMENT,
GREEN RIVER BASIN UJ
(1977 Dollars)
Industry T rona
Makeup Water Volume
ac-ft/yr
2
400 pmho/cm. Salinity 1,027.00
600 pmho/cm- Salinity 1,540.00
800 y mho/cm Salinity 2,139.00
Energy Needed
Btu/yr x 10u
400 y mho/cm- Salinity 0.95
600 y mho/cm. Salinity 1,72
800 y mho/cm Salinity 2.86
Annual Energy Cost
$ x 10b
2
400 ymho/cm2 Salinity 1.43
600 y mho/cm. Salinity 2.58
800 y mho/cm Salinity 4.29
Annual,Treatment Cost
$ x 10
50 mg/l Hardness 0.06
80 mg/l Hardness 0.16
110 mg/l Hardness 0.30
Total Annual Cost
$ x 10b
2
400 ymho/cm^ Salinity 1.49
600 y mho/err^ Salinity 2.74
800 y mho/cm Salinity 4.59
(1) Costs for heating boiler makeup water and for treating boiler and
cooling makeup water.
(2) All industries except Jim Bridger Power Plant.
-------
Table B-2
YEAR 2000, COAL EXPORT SCENARIO, GREEN RIVER BASIN
(1977 Dollars)
Industry Trona
Makeup Water Volume
ac-ft/yr
2
400 ymho/cm2 Salinity 3,470.00
600 ymho/cm2 Salinity 5,130.00
800 y mho/cm Salinity 7,125.00
Energy Need&d
Btu/yr x 10 1
2
400 y mho/cm. Salinity 3.17
600 umho/cm. Salinity 5.72
800 y mho/cm Salinity 9.53
Annual. Energy Cost
$ x 10
2
400 umho/cm2 Salinity 4.75
600 pmho/cm^ Salinity 8.58
800 y mho/cm Salinity 14.30
Annual,Treatment Cost
$ x 10b
50 mg/l Hardness 0.44
80 mg/l Hardness 0.54
110 mg/l Hardness 1.02
Total Annual Cost
$ x 10°
2
400 y mho/crrij Salinity
600 ymho/cm^ Salinity 3
800 y mho/cm Salinity 15
5.19
9.12
3
(1) Costs for heating boiler makeup water and for treating boiler and
cooling makeup water.
(2) All industries except Jim Bridger Power Plant.
-------
Table B-3
YEAR 2000, ENERGY EXPORT
(1977 Dollars)
SCENARIO
, GREEN RIVER
BASIN(1) (2)
Industry
Trona
Coa!
Gasification
Oil
Shale
Tota 1 s
Makeup Water Volume
ac-ft/yr
2
400 umho/cm2 Salinity
600 umho/cm2 Salinity
800 )j mho/cm Salinity
4, 180
6,270
8,708
1, 000
1,500
2, 083
940
1, 410
1, 958
6, 120
9, 180
12,749
Energy Needad
Btu/yr x 10
2
400 y mho/cm. Salinity
600 y mho/cm^ Salinity
800 y mho/cm Salinity
3.87
6.99
11.6
0.93
1 .67
2.78
0. 87
1 . 57
2. 62
5. 67
10.2
17.0
AnnuaL Energy Cost
$ x 10b
2
400 umho/cm2 Salinity
600 y mho/cm2 Salinity
800 u mho/cm Salinity
5.81
10.5
17.5
1 .39
2.51
4.18
1 . 31
2.36
3. 93
8.51
15.4
25.6
AnnuaL Treatment Cost
$ x 10
50 mg/l Hardness
80 mg/l Hardness
110 mg/l Hardness
0.28
0.66
1 .26
0.06
0.16
0.30
0.06
0.14
0. 18
0.40
0.96
1 .84
Total Annual Cost
$ x 10
2
400 umho/cm. Salinity
600 unnho/crru Salinity
800 u mho/cm Salinity
6.09
11.2
18.8
1 .45
2.67
4.48
1 .37
2. 50
4.21
8.91
16.4
27.5
(1) Costs for heating boiler makeup water and for treating boiler and
cooling makeup water.
(2) All industries except Jim Bridger Power Plant.
-------
Table B 4
COSTS FOR TREATING BOILER AND COOLING TOWER
MAKEUP WATER AT JIM BRIDGER POWER PU\NT
(1977 DOLLARS)
Scenario
Present Day
Year 2000,
Coal Export
Year 2000,
Energy Export
Water
Diverted,
ac-ft/yr
30,000
30,000
60,000
Annual Treatment Cost
$ x 10
400 y mho/cm"'
Salinity
0.153
0. 153
0.306
600 p mho/cm'
Salinity
0.230
0.230
0.460
800 y mho/cm
Salinity
0.307
0.307
0.614
e ??
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APPENDIX C ^
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPING
SITE SPECIFIC BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES IN STATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Architectural and engineering drawings and specifications must include
sufficient information regarding the pollution control plan to permit
prospective contractors to bid and plan intelligently, and to ensure that
there will be no misunderstanding by construction personnel as to what is
required. Individual contractors and developers can then support the costs
of pollution control measures as part of their normal construction activitie
2. Construction contract documents will contain specific instructions as to the
temporary and permanent structural and vegetative control practices required
the scheduling and coordination of activities, in addition to procedures for
the maintenance and inspection of structural and vegetative controls for
graded areas, borrow pit areas, sediment spoil areas and soil stockpile
areas. In the event that a need for additional control becomes evident as
construction progresses, the contract also should contain provisions for
amendments which include such controls.
3. provide adequate means of enforcing adequate review of and implementation
of erosion control specifications in the design plans and construction
contracts. The practices should be reviewed and approved by a responsible
management agency, and construction activities should be monitored closely
to ensure adherence to the plan and/or compliance with Wyoming Water
Quality Standards.
4. Interagency and local citizen participation is one way to ensure improved
pollution control before and during construction activities, and will be
provided for State projects through normal procedures of the Highway Depart-
ment Action Plan, and through required public participation programs of the
Water Quality Management Process.
EROSION CONTROLS AND PROTECTION OF WATER QUALITY
1. Effective best management practices for road construction activities in-
volve the prevention as well as restriction of runoff, erosion and
other nps generation. Retain sediment at or near its origin rather than
trapping and disposing of it after is has left the construction site.
C) From Wyoming State Highway Depart
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2. No activity shall be undertaken which will permanently degrade water
quality below present levels, in accordance with the antidegradation
standard as described in Wyoming. Water Quality Rules and Regulations.
3. Avoid channel changes wherever feasible. When channel changes are in-
volved, complete new channels, including scour and erosion protection,
before turning water into them.
4. The installation of sediment control structures normally should be done
before the start of grading, clearing or other on-site land disturbances.
5. Minimize the amount of land disturbed and the length of time it is ex-
posed by proper staging of the construction activities. In many cases,
a project can be planned so it is constructed in phases wherein segments
can be disturbed and stabilized in sequence rather than exposing the entire
area at the same time. This requires comprehensive planning and scheduling
of the various phases to maintain the overall schedule. Use stage grading,
seeding and sodding.
6. The BMP1s developed must be appropriate for the duration of the activity,
time of year, and kind of equipment used. Avoid construction during wet
season or other undesirable runoff periods to minimize sedimentation into
stream. If construction is essential during such periods, sedimentation
damage will be minimized by installing debris basins or using other methods
to trap sediment. In addition, construction activities affecting stream
channels shall be limited to those periods when such activities will have
the least detrimental effect on the aquatic environment, unless emergency
situations deem otherwise.
7. Prior to construction, plan to preserve as much of the natural plant cover
existing on-site as possible: this can provide supplemental buffers for
controlling erosion and sedimentation during construction.
8. On lands impacted by stream channel operations and lands contiguous
to streams that have been altered by construction activities, reshape
to as near natural conditions as possible prior to revegetating.
9. Plan structural and vegetative measures that will protect environmentally
vulnerable areas. Vegetative soil stabilization practices such as direct
seeding, sodding, plugging and sprigging should be an integral part of
erosion control.
10. Re-vegetate disturbed lands and stream banks with native trees, shrubs,
-------
or grasses, if possible. If no source of native vegetation is available
use species which are similar to native vegetation.
11. Control the speed and volume of,water runoff. (This can be controlled
most easily by using short slope lengths following natural contours to
avoid high cuts and fills, and blending slope grades into the natural
landscape).
12. Detain stormwater on the construction site for sufficient time to trap
sand size particles. Use water diversion structures to divert water
away from graded areas.
Design culverts, bridges and other facilities to pass or to protect
against floods which may be reasonably expected to occur during the life
of the facility. Selection of the design flood shall consider the rela-
tionships between risk and hazard of failure and the costs (monetary and
nonmonetary) of providing protection.
13. All temporary roads associated with construction activities shall be
constructed to prevent eroded materials from reaching streams. This
may require waterbars or other structural measures.
14. Culverts or bridges shall be required on temporary roads at all points
where it is necessary to cross stream courses. Such facilities shall be
of sufficient size and design to provide capacity for the flow of water
anticipated during the period of use of the road. When the temporary road
is no longer needed for the purpose for which is was designed, all bridges
and culverts shall be removed. When such facilities are removed, associated
fills shall also be removed so that they will not be affected by the
stream. Removed fill material shall be shaped to blend with the natural
terrain, and all disturbed soil revegetated.
15. Upon completion of a project or activity, all temporary roads shall be
"erosion-proofed by cross ditches, ripping/ seeding, or other suitable
means. As needed, provide silting ponds or other facilities to prevent
silt-laden water from entering streams.
16. Do not use soil materials to cover the decks of temporary bridges.
17. When flow in a stream course is temporarily diverted to accomodate construc-
tion or other activities, such flow shall be restored to the natural
course as soon as practical and in any event prior to a major runoff season.
18. All culverts shall be bedded and backfilled in accordance with approved
engineering practices.
-------
19. Design water collection systems installed to protect roads or facilities
so that waters turned onto slopes or into natural channels will not exceed
the safe capacity of the slopes or channels.
20. Riprap or other erosiorj protection materials should be of sufficient size
and placed in such a manner as to withstand peak flows comparable to a
25-year flood except where associated with major bridges which are designed
for passage of a 50-year flood.
21. Riprap or other protection materials shall extend below the bed of the
stream sufficient to protect against the predicted or recorded 25 or 50
year flood occurrence, as needed based on case by case evaluations.
22. Use riprap material that is of a quality that will not deteriorate during
the length of time that it is determined to be needed.
23. Place riprap and other erosion protection material in such a manner as
to prevent any downstream erosion.
24. Roadway sections parallel and contiguous to stream channels shall be so
designed/ constructed and maintained to minimize concentrated surface
runoff from the roadbed and slopes. Special design features such as
slope drains, insloping, crowning, berms, or other facilities shall be
provided.
25. Conduct construction operations to prevent debris from entering stream
channels. In the event some debris is deposited and is detrimental,
it shall be removed in a manner that least disturbs the channel and
adjacent land. Cable yarding or handwork are usually acceptable.
26. In road construction, maintenance, and other earth-moving activities,
place the toe of overcast material above the high-water line. If the
structural barriers shall be used to prevent fill material from being
transported downstream.
27. Avoid operating wheeled, track-laying or other heavy equipment in stream
courses to the extent possible.
28. Locate and treat construction equipment service areas so as to prevent
gas, oil or other contaminents from washing or leaching into streams and
groundwaters. Storage of oils and hazardous substances must be conducted
in accordance with P.L. 92-500; Section 311 (Spill Prevention Control and
Counter-measures Plans, and Federal Register 38 (no. 237) Part 112).
-------
29. Remove borrow materials from stream channels only where this is not
detrimental to water quality, fisheries, channel hydraulics or re-
creational values.
30. Provide for proper disposal of sanitary wastes so there is no discharge
into streams.
PROTECTION OF AQUATIC LIFE
1. Protect or replace streamside vegetation when its removal can result in:
a) Increased stream temperature detrimental to aquatic habitat.
b) Increased turbidity, bedload, and suspended solids which would be
detrimental to fish-spawning beds or other aquatic habitat.
2. During construction and other activities affecting channels, protect
areas containing fish spawning beds; defer such activities above spawning
areas if they adversely affect eggs or alevins in the gravel.
3. When channel changes or alterations are .the best alternative, provide
mitigating measures to foster replacement of the aquatic habitat to
as near natural conditions as is possible.
4. Where channel changes are deemed necessary, maintain natural channel
velocities in the afffected stream reach. This will be assured by
installing drop structures, by constructing acceptable meanders, or by
other approved methods. Where drop structures are installed they should
be designed to permit fish passage, if this is an established occurrence.
5. Culverts shall be placed in a position to allow for fish passage, in all
Class I and II streams.
6. Where water velocities are increased by the placing of a bridge or culvert
or other activity, precluding established fish movement upstream, install
suitable facilities to allow for unrestricted fish passage.
recreation and aesthetics
1. In recreation areas, the following criteria should be followed:
a. Along altered streambanks provide slopes which are not barriers
to recreation use.
b. Unless absolutely essential for the purpose of correcting an
existing channel problem, to protect life and/or property, or to
enhance the aquatic environment, avoid stream channel changes and en-
croachments on streams within or contiguous to establish or pro-
posed recreation areas.
c. If access along a streambank is needed under a bridge span, to be
built over a large stream, provide a sufficiently long bridge to
-------
provide room for such access.
d. Where streams offer boating or floating opportunities, allow for
safe passage around or through structures or alterations and do not
detract from scenic qualities.
I
e. Where channelization is done, shape and re-vegetate the area in a
manner compatible with recreation use.
2. Consider the total scenic value in designing and constructing a road
that parallels a stream. For example, a stream channel change, properly
designed and constructed, might result in a road with less adverse visual
and physical impact than would construction of the road across a steep
slope.
E. POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
In order to assure that water quality objectives are met, certain .post-rconstruc-
tion practices must be followed. . In general, these practices are simply the
application of those elements of a good road maintenance program that apply to
water quality management.
1. Highway Facility. The roadway, roadside, appurtenances, and structures are
to be cleaned as needed. This requires a systematic inspection program. Of
particular interest are storm sewers and urban streets. Oil, grease and
decaying matter should be removed after a storm and frequent street sweepings
used to prevent the concentration of pollutants on the street surface.
2. Ice Control. When abrasives are used to provide traction, select a stockpile
site that will not contaminate a water source. If this is not possible, use
precautionary measures that prevent drainage into a water source. Use only
enough salt in the stockpile to keep it workable (usually 3% or less).
When salt is relied on solely as a melting agent for ice control, its use
should be accompanied with a timely sweeping and flushing program.
3. Slide and Waste Materials Disposal. Select a disposal site that will not
contaminate a water source. Suitable erosion control measures should also
be a part of the disposal action.
4. Pesticides and Herbicides. Follow manufacturers recommendations. Where
use is restricted, they must be applied by operators certified by the
State of Wyoming.
5. Point Source Discharge. Must obtain a permit from State Department of
Environmental Quality.
-------
6. Litter. Dispose of in land fill approved by the DEQ.
7. Sediment Traps and Other Erosion Control Structures. Follow a systematic
inspection, cleaning, and repair program. Follow appropriate management
practices in cleaning and repairing facilities.
I
8. Asphalt, Crushing and Screening Operations. Comply with Department of
Environmental Quality operating permit system.
9. Oil and Hazardous Materials. A Spill Prevention and Counter Measure Control
Plan is required for all asphalt pavement plants and fuel storage areas
wherein measures must be taken to prevent and control asphalt and oil
spills at plant sites.
Support is given to the States Hazardous Spill Plan which pertains to
measures to be taken in the event of spillage of hazardous materials while
in transit.
10. Roadway Contamination. When tests indicate that the highway facility is
causing a water quality problem, develop an appropriate solution based on
the best available technology.
F. LEGAL RESTRICTIONS
All construction activities must comply with legal restrictions and require-
ments imposed by the following Federal and State regulations.
a. Wyoming Water Quality Standards and related stream classifications, as
specified in the State 106 Program Plan.
b. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements
for point source discharge.
c. National Environmental Policy Act requirements.
d. Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permits (See Appendix D).
e. Section 311, Public Law 92-500, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
Plans; Federal Register 38 (no. 237) Part 112.
-------
APPENDIX D
SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE PERMIT
Section 1 . Purpose
It is recognized that proper maintenance of septic tanks will increase the
useful life of all onsite sewage disposal systems which rely on solid
absorption of septic tank effluent. To further the purpose of increased
life of such onsite disposal systems, and to protect the health, safety and
welfare of the inhabitants of the County of , the County of
hereby establishes a septic tank maintenance permit program.
Section 2. Permit Required
No owner may occupy, rent, lease, live in or reside in, either seasonally
or permanently, any building, residence, or other structure serviced by a
private domestic sewage treatment and disposal system, unless the owner has
a valid septic tank maintenance permit for that system issued in his name
by the (County sanitarian or other responsible official) . Owner
is defined to mean a natural person, corporation, the state or any subdivision
thereof.
Section 3. Fee
A fee of $ shall accompany each application for the septic tank
maintenance permit.
Section 4. Permit Application
Application for a septic tank maintenance permit shall be made to the
_ (County sanitarian or other responsible official) on forms supplied
by him. All applications shall state the owner's name and address, the
address or location of the private sewage system and shall contain the
following statement:
"I certify that on _day of , 19 , I inspected the septic
tank located at the address stated on this application, and I (check
one):
pumped all sludge and scum out of the septic tank, or
found that the volume of sludge and scum was less tTian 1/3 of the
tank volume, and I did not pump the septic tank.
Signature
Sanitary License Number
-------
Section 5. Issuance
The (County sanitarian or other responsible official) shall
issue a permit to the applicant upon receipt of the fee and a completed
application, properly signed by a person licensed to service septic tanks
and stating his sanitary license number. The permit shall include on its
face all information contained in the application and shall contain the
date of issuance.
Section 6. Validity
The permit issued under this section shall be valid for a period of
years from the date of issuance.
Section 7. Sale of Property
When property containing a private domestic sewage system is sold the new
property owner, prior to occupying, renting, leasing, or residing in the
building, residence or structure served by the system, shall make application
for and received a septic tank maintenance permit; however, the system may
be used for a period not to exceed 30 days after making application for a
permit.
REFERENCE: Stewart, David E., "Legal, Planning and Economic Considerations
of Onsite Sewerage Systesm," Prepared for the Small Scale Waste Management
Project, University of Wisconsin, 1974.
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO. 2.
EPA-908/3-78-004B
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
CLEAN WATER REPORT FOR SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING
FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT
5. REPORT DATE
August, 1978
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHORIS)
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
CH2MHi11 Inc.
12000 East 47th Ave.
Denver, CO 80239
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Southwestern Wyoming Water Quality Planninq Asso.
P.O. Box 389
Kemmerer, Wyoming 83101
13. TYPE OF REPORT ANO PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 1
EPA 908/3-78-004A is the Final Management Plan.
nrp,pnto,, threevyears of water quality investigations in Southwestern Wyoming
nrnh?pm<; fn^ i\- iS ld®ntl'fies the most pressing regional water quality
health anri w
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INSTRUCTIONS
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EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4 — 77) (Reverse)
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