From The Pueblo Chieftain (Chris Woodka):
“Water quality is the main concern in the Lower Arkansas Valley, this represents a supplemental supply that will help us stay in compliance,” said Otero County Commissioner Kevin Karney. Karney also is a member of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District board, sponsors of both the conduit and a master contract for water storage that are being evaluated by the Bureau of Reclamation during a series of meetings this week.
Of the 40 communities that could participate in the conduit, 12 have elevated levels of radionuclides and must begin to take action in thenext few years to reach compliance. Without the conduit, they will be looking at even more expensive solutions to purify water…
La Junta and Las Animas already are using reverse osmosis systems and discharging brine into the Arkansas River. In the future, those communities could face more costly disposal of the brine, Karney noted. “The conduit also is needed for economic development in the lower valley,” he said…
The environmental impact study, which will determine the best route for the conduit as well as locations of filter plants or pumping stations, is expected to be complete in two years, said Reclamation Environmental Specialist Signe Snortland…
Snortland said population projections will be a part of the impact study.
One environmental impact statement and record of decision will be issued for the conduit and the master contract.