THE ACT
The Colorado Legislature in 1990 passed the Agricultural
Chemicals and Groundwater Protection Act, SB 90-126. The provisions of
this Act give agricultural producers the opportunity to voluntarily adopt
Best Management Practices which help protect the environment, that are
technically feasible and economically practical. If the voluntary approach
is successful, further mandatory controls specified in the Act will not
need to be implemented in the Uncompahgre Valley.
MANCOS SHALE
Mancos Shale, a marine deposit that underlays much of
the Uncompahgre Valley, contains naturally high concentrations of salts
and selenium. Irrigation water and natural precipitation percolating through
the soil cause the mobilization of these and other naturally occurring
elements into drainages and waterways, thereby creating nonpoint source
pollution.
EROSION
Uncompahgre Valley on-farm soil stability is subject
to many factors, such as soil texture, soil structure, weather and management.
Sagers, Massadona, and Chipeta-Persayo soils dominate the soil profile
east of the Uncompahgre River, whereas Mesa and Fruitland soil are
dominate west of the river. These soils have the potential to become a
serious pollutant to surface water; however, if properly managed, are very
productive and the erosion potential can be controlled. The “USDA Soil
Survey for the Ridgway Area” is an excellent source for soils information.
Soils information is also available locally, through the Delta and Montrose
Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Figure 1: Soils of the Uncompahgre Valley |
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