The public purpose of the project to reduce salinity in the colorado river system which will help prevent economic damages in the lower colorado river basin

Excess salinity that which is greater than the standard set to protect beneficial uses- poses a growing threat to food production and drinking water quality. Salts increase the cost of urban drinking water and wastewater treatment- which are paid for by residents and businesses. IT is anticipated that this project will result in the annual reduction of approximately 677 tons of salt in the colorado river at a cost-effectiveness value of 85.47 ton selected under the salinity control program nofo. The project is located in the area of bottle hollow reservoir near FT. Duchesne- utah. The bench canal receives water from the uinta river and flows south approximately fifteen miles serving 5-494 acres of class I land. Water is diverted to the canal from april 1 to october 31. The canal is organized into thirteen divisions. This project shall treat the area in the bottom three divisions (11- 12- and 13). The bench canal is an open- unlined canal running from its diversion in the uinta river- which is a tributary to the duchesne and green rivers. The green river empties into the colorado river. Nearly the entire canal is located on top of a rocky bench with extreme water loss. The land served that is still flood irrigated is primarily pastureland. Some sprinkler irrigation systems (400-500 acres) have been installed with associated settling ponds and pumping for production of alfalfa- small grain- and corn in addition to pasture. The earthen canal will be replaced with irrigation delivery pipeline.