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Memorandum on Salinity Problem on Lower Colorado
No full textMemorandum: From Robert M. Sayre, to Orren Beaty, "Salinity Problem on Lower Colorado," November 23, 1964, page 3-3-
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
the two Commissioners can initial a draft Minute on November 25 if he has authorization from Washington by that time. Could you let me know whether the attached draft is acceptable to the Department of the Interior and, if not, what changes would be required to make it acceptable.
Robert M. Sayre
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Proposed Minute of the International Boundary & Water Commission, Draft
No full textDocument: "Proposed Minute of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico to Achieve a Permanent & Effective Solution to the Colorado River Salinity Problem," 1964 (photocopy), page 1Hayde the telegram
DRAFT 11/6/64
PROPOSED MINUTE
OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY & WATER COMMISSION,
UNITED STATES & MEXICO
TO ACHIEVE A PERMANENT & EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO THE COLORADO
RIVER SALINITY PROGRAM
The Commission has reviewed the measures which have been taken to date by both Governments to achieve a solution to the salinity problem on the lower Colorado River. These measures have been effective in alleviating the problem temporarily.
The Commission believes, with the scientific and engineering studies undertaken by both Governments as a basis, that it is now possible to recommend a permanent and effective solution. Accordingly, the Commission recommends the following:
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The United States should construct an extension to the present Wellton-Mohawk District's drainage conveyance channel, to a capacity of 350 cfs, along the left bank of the Colorado River to a point below Morelos Dam, and operate a control structure in the extension channel above the limitrophe section of the river which would permit the discharge of the District's drainage waters to the bed of the river at a point either above or below Morelos Dam.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 1,970,122 byte
Letter Discussing Developments in Attempts to Solve Salinity Problem
No full textLetter: From Thomas C. Mann, to Stewart Udall, November 2, 1964 (carbon copy), page 1DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
NOV 2 1964
Dear Mr. Secretary:
Since my letter of August 5 there have been a number of developments in our attempt to resolve the Colorado River salinity problem with Mexico. Most significantly, the Government of Mexico concluded that it could not accept installation of a tile drainage system at Wellton-Mohawk as the "permanent and effective solution" contemplated in the Presidential Communiques. Based on estimates by Interior Department engineers that the tile drain effluent may have a salinity of 4-5,000 ppm, Mexican engineers estimate that the salinity of the water reaching Mexico would at times be higher than 1,500 ppm. Mexico, therefore, proposed, through its Commissioner, reconsideration of a "by-pass charnel" solution. The Department authorized Commissioner Friedkin again to explore the feasibility of a solution based on a by-pass channel. I understand that he and Mr. Sayre reported to you on these developments on October 6, 1964.
There followed further consultations with the Bureau of Reclamation concerning a "by-pass channel" solution which would effect a 1.5 salt balance indexf in the Wellton-Mohawk drainage delivered above Morelos Dam, as initially proposed to Mexico in July. The basic points were discussed with the Bureau of Reclamation, and Commissioner Dominy gave his affirmative advice on October 8. Through consultation with the Bureau, Commissioner Friedkin and the two Departments developed "Essential Provisions of a Minute between the U.S. and Mexico." The Interior Department notified the State Department on October 28 of its approval of the terms in principle.
The Honorable
Stewart L. Udall,
Secretary of the Interior.
U.S. DEPT. OF INTERIOR
RECEIVED
NOV 2 11 03 AM "64
IMMEDIATED OFFFICE
OF THE SECRETARYEpson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 3,367,577 byte
Essential Provisions of a Minute Between the U.S. and Mexico
No full textDocument: "Essential Provisions of a Minute Between the U.S. and Mexico," October 14, 1964 (photocopy), page 1(October 14, 1964)
ESSENTIAL PROVISIONS OF A MINUTE
BETWEEN THE U.S. AND MEXICO
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
OFFICIAL FILE COPY
Rec'd OCT 15 1964
TO INIT. DATE
400
A. The United States will:
U.S. will effect 1.5: salt balance operation to Mexico
1. Subject to appropriations by the Congress, operate the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District to operate the drainage faculties of Vard in such a manner and with the objection that the annual quantity of salts in the drainage effluent from the District, reaching the Colorado River above the Morelos Dam, encluding water bypasses will not be more than 1.5 times the total annual quantity of salt in the irrigation waters delivered to the District, many Calendar year and will effect such operation by:
By construction
of bypassextension channel
a) Extension by October 1, 1965 assuming that funds are endable nor later than Feb 1, 1945 of the Wellton-Mohawk drainage conveyance channel along the left bank of the Colorado River to a point below Morelos Dam, with a control structure in the extension channel above the limitrophe section of the river, to enable either: (1) discharge of the District's drainage waters to the river bed at a point upstream from Morelos Dam; or (2) discharge of the drainage waters to the river bed below the dam. ThisEpson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 2,455,788 byte
Essential Provisions of a Minute Between the U.S. and Mexico, Revised Draft
No full textDocument: United States Section Revised Draft, "Essential Provisions of a Minute Between the U.S. and Mexico," October 5, 1964 (photocopy), page 4- 4 -
Accept charge for Treaty waters bypassed at Mexico's request
2. Accept charge for such quantities of Mexico's Treaty guaranteed waters as are delivered by means of the bypass channel in the bed of the Colorado River below Morelos Dam, pursuant to Mexico's request.
Acceptance as permanent and effective solution
UNDERSTANDINGS
1. Mexico accepts the bypass construction and operations described herein, as the permanent and effective solution referred to in the joint Presidential Communique of June 30, 1962, subject to understanding 5 below,
Termination of bypass operation and this agreement
2. As soon as the total quantity of salt in the drainage effluent from the District is reduced to the point that the District can operate at a salt balance ratio not higher than 1.5:1, the United States will terminate operation of the by-pass channel, and this Minute will terminate.
No implication more water or quality commitment
3. Both the United States and Mexico recognize that this solution in no way implies that Mexico is entitled to more water than theEpson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,884,654 byte
Document Discussing Details of Bypass Proposal
No full textDocument, From Wilbur P. Kane, page 5, October 12, 1964 (carbon copy)xThere are many other details in connection with the bypass proposal that must be resolved and clarified before a final solution can be affected, including design and construction, operation plans, and fiscal matters. Additionally, to carry out such a plan in an orderly fashion will require the full and continued cooperation of the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District and the appropriation of funds by Congress.
As you know, discussions have been held with Commissioner Friedkin and other officials during the week of October 5. During the meeting in your office on October 6, Mr. Friedkin distributed an October 5, 1964, draft of a Minute between the United States and Mexico on the essential provisions of the solution to the salinity problem. We are enclosing a revision of the initial draft on this proposed minute between the United States and Mexico. It must be emphasized that while this October 9 draft has been the subject of discussion between IBWC and Reclamation officials, it has not been given detailed legal and technical review which would be prerequisite to official adoption of the Minute.
(Sgd) Wilbur P. Kane
cc:
Regional Director, Boulder City, Nevada
Chief Engineer, Denver, Colorado
Regional Solicitor, Los Angeles, California
Project Manager, Yuma, Arizona
Assistant Secretary--Water and Power (w/c encl. to ea.)
Enclosure
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Memorandum on Colorado Salinity Problem
No full textMemorandum: From Wilber P. Kane, to Secretary of the Interior, "Colorado River Salinity Problem," October 12, 1964, page 4critical minimum flow periods and lesser salinities during times of higher flows. However, it is our understanding that in maintaining a 1.5 to 1 salt balance on an annual basis, that we are not committed to maintain salinities at or below 1500 parts per million at the northern boundary at all times. It should be clearly understood that at certain seasons of the year peak salinities may range over and above the 1500 parts per million for short durations. Insofar as possible drainage pumping would be from most saline wells during periods of high flow to Mexico.
(6) A check and wasteway structure will be needed in any temporary bypass channel. It could be located anywhere from the Gila-Colorado River confluence to just upstream from the northern boundary. Such a structure is necessary so that drainage waters from Wellton-Mohawk can either be bypassed to the river below Morelos Dam or delivered to Mexico above Morelos depending upon whether there is water available unavoidably over and above schedule. Measuring devices to record both flows that could be bypassed to the river below Morelos or delivered to Mexico above Morelos would be appurtenant to this structure. In order to accomplish the bypass of drainage waters at any time that there is water in the river in excess of schedule, the Bureau must be able to operate this structure without delay. If the structure is located in the upper end of the bypass channel it could be operated by the ditch rider on the Gila Granity Main Canal.
You will note that the successful bypassing of sufficient drainage water from the Wellton-Mohawk District so as to accomplish a 1:5 to 1 salt balance, and at the same time make no releases from storage for quality control or to make up for bypassed water will require extremely tight operational controls. Such a plan leaves no room for flexibility in case of (a) seasonal storms that may bring unexpected inflows to the District which must be evacuated to prevent a rise in ground water, or (b) breaks in the temporary bypass channel that may result from a number of causes including unexpected inflows to the Colorado River between the Gila River confluence and Morelos Dam. In addition if we are required to continue with pump drainage in the Wellton-Mohawk District, and insure adequate flexibility in operation of the system, additional drainage wells may be needed along the toe of the mesa to avoid ground water encroachment in that area. We believe an immediate study as to the number and location of these wells is essential.
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Comments of the "Six Assumptions"
No full textLetter: From Robert M. Sayre, to Orren Beaty, September 29, 1964, page 1THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
September 29, 1964
Dear Orren:
The salinity problem did not arise in the meeting with the Mexican President on September 25, so far as I know. The Mexican Ambassador discussed the problem with me on the plane going down, and urged that we reach an early agreement. I assured him that we were working on it. The Mexican Commissioner told Commissioner Friedkin on September 28, that his President pressed him to work out an early solution.
I have the following comments on the six assumptions listed on the attachment to your letter of September 24:
The first assumption calculates total effluent at 200,000 acre feet annually. Total annual effluent from Wellton-Mohawk in 1962 was 200,000 acre feet, and it is now running at the rate of 200,000 acre feet. This assumption, therefore, implies no reduction in pumping at Wellton-Mohawk, although we have always thought that some reduction would be possible.
It is not clear what is meant by numbered paragraph 6. If the location and type of structures could be defined, it would be possible to consider whether the Mexicans might agree to Reclamation control, or whether Mexican agreement is in fact necessary. The Mexicans have been adamant on joint control of any structures in the boundary area, and this is accordance with the Treaty.
On the other assumptions, I believe we have to have a firm understanding within the U. S. Government on what is planned on a by-pass canal. We should have a chart showing peak and average salinities each month. We cannot accept a general statement that the pattern of salinities should be comparable to the one which we are now experiencing, and hope to avoid future trouble with Mexico. Salinities the week before the meeting in El Paso were around 1600 ppm.
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Copy to A/5 Holune 10/2 Dominy 10/2Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 1,603,360 byte
Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page xiiiTABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) LIST OF TABLES
No. Page
1 Existing Dams and Lakes - Lower Basin 18
2 Yuma Valley Drainage Water Delivered to Mexico Through Boundary Pumping Plant at San Luis, Mexico 22
3 Colorado River Flow Near Grand Canyon, Part A 24
Colorado River Flow Near Grand Canyon, Part B 25
4 Scheduled and Actual Water Deliveries to Mexico 27
5 Mexico's Order Under Treaty 28
6 Quality of Colorado River Water Near Grand Canyon 31
7 Historical Quality of Water at Imperial Dam 34
8 Water Balance - Wellton-Mohawk District 49
9 Wellton-Mohawk Project Diversions Crop Use and Drainage Pumping 50
10 Wellton-Mohawk Drainage Wells - Decrease in Total Dissolved Solids 53
11 Estimated Rate of Aquifer Refreshing by Pumping 55
12 Characterization of Principal Soils - Mexicali Valley - Lacustrine Group 68
13 Characterization of Principal Soils - Mexicali Valley - Deltaic Plain Soils 69
14 Characterization of Principal Soils - Mexicali Valley - Recent Alluvial Soils 71
15 Projected Water Quality - Phase 1 88
16 Water Balance - Wellton-Mohawk District - Phase 2 93
17 Estimated Average Discharge and Salinity 94
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 3B. Purpose
The purpose of the investigation covered in this report is to formulate engineeringly feasible remedial measures to reduce the peak salt concentrations in the water delivered to Mexico at Morelos Dam via the Colorado River, thus reaching a permanent and effective solution of the salinity problem without recourse to proceedings founded upon a judicial determination of the legal rights of either country. Such program would be accomplished without jeopardizing the future of the irrigation districts of the United States or increasing water deliveries to Mexico above the amounts specified in the Treaty of 1944. The various proposals submitted by the United States Panel of Water and Soil Scientists to the International Boundary and Water Commission for alleviation of the salinity problem are also considered in the report to the extent compatible with congressional directives.
C. Scope
In general, the scope of the studies presented herein is con-fined to the Colorado River operations below Hoover Dam, with specific emphasis on the operations of the Wellton-Mohawk Division and South Gila Valley Unit of the Gila Project, and the Valley Division of the Yuma Project.
The proposed plans of development, conclusions, and recommendations are made within the framework set forth by congressional directives contained in Senate Report No. 2178, 87th Congress, and by the provisions of the Mexican Water Treaty of 1944.
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