WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THE SELENIUM PROBLEM ?

For the Gunnison Basin Selenium Task Force Action Plan click here. 

For a list of our most recent activities, check out our Current Projects. 

 

The Gunnison Basin Selenium Task Force is taking a positive approach to addressing this problem, and is working to find answers to these 4 major issues.

1. Where is the selenium coming from, and are there areas where remediation efforts should be focused? To help answer this question, we are:

 Reviewing data collected over the last 12 years from the Uncompahgre Project;

 Sampling streams in other locations throughout the Lower Gunnison River Basin;

 Sampling soils in irrigated areas and proposing to map high selenium soils; and,

 Examining non-agricultural sources of selenium.

2. What measures can be used to solve the problem? To help answer this question, we are:

 Observing the effects that piping of previously open-air irrigation ditches may have on selenium in drainage water;

 Testing crops which may help remove selenium from soils;

 Participating in studies already being developed by Federal agencies (for example, lining ponds and canals, piping laterals, diluting stream flow and treating drain water);

 Evaluating the effects of new rural residential development on selenium loading to the Gunnsion River;

 Undertaking a local public outreach and education program to encourage local citizens to participate in finding solutions; and,

 Looking at measures to evaluate and reduce non-agricultural selenium contributions.

3. Can remediation measures achieve the Task Force's goal to meet water quality standards while maintaining the economic viability and lifestyles of the area?

To help answer this question, we will:

 Compare financial, social, and environmental costs of potential measures with the anticipated benefits;

 Determine if adequate selenium reductions can be expected and the goal achieved by implementing remediation measures;

 Determine if sufficient funding can be obtained to solve the problem; and,

 Examine the implications of not achieving the goal.

4. How would remediation measures be implemented and by whom?

Public and stakeholder involvement is a vital component of the Task Force's efforts.