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The Big Sandy River Unit is located near Farson and Eden in Sweetwater County in southwestern Wyoming. Investigations indicate that seeps, which surface in the Bone Draw and Big Bend areas, produce saline water at a rate of about 27 cubic feet per second. The salinity here varies from 1,000 to 6,000 mg/L along the Big Sandy River, with a total annual contribution of more than 164,000 tons of salt. Indications are that salt is picked up by water contacting the shale of the Green River Formation beneath the surface and eventually seeping into the river. Irrigation was identified as a significant contributor to the water source recharging the springs. The purpose of the Big Sandy River Unit investigation was to determine the feasibility of lowering the salt inflow to the Big Sandy River. The study was specifically directed toward reducing salt pickup from seeps and springs along a 26 mile reach of the Big Sandy River west of Eden, Wyoming. Investigations Reclamation has studied alternatives to intercept the springs and seeps and then transport, treat and use, or dispose of the saline water. In the irrigated area, off-farm solutions such as selective lining of canals and laterals were studied. Studies conducted in cooperation with USDA indicated that control of onfarm irrigation is the most cost-effective alternative for controlling salinity from the Big Sandy River Unit. Because of past selective lining programs, the canals and laterals showed relatively low seepage rates, offering little room for improvement. USDA The USDA Big Sandy Salinity Control Program Final Environmental Impact Statement was published in September 1987, and the salinity control plan was released in February 1988. The plan recommends converting the existing surface irrigation systems on 15,700 acres to low pressure sprinkler and other improved irrigation systems. Implementing this plan will result in a reduction of 52,900 tons of salt. In 1988, a USDA office was established in Farson, Wyoming, and implementation of the Colorado River Salinity Control Program began. Participation by farmers in the program has been outstanding Authorization Feasibility planning of the unit was authorized by the Salinity Control Act (Public Law 93320) of 1974 and the Water Resource Developments Feasibility Investigations Act (Public Law 96375) of October 1980. Benefits The Reclamation portion was not found to be cost effective at this time. The USDA portion of the Big Sandy Unit removes about 31,147 tons of salt per year, at a projected total cost of $55,910,000 for a cost effectiveness of $31 per ton. See other Basinwide Salinity Control Projects. |
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