Baron of the Republic of Aquitaine maintains support for Water Control along Lower Colorado River

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"The Baron of the Republic of Aquitaine & Knight Investments LLC Officials met with Regulatory Officials on the possibilities of helping to reclaim the lower Colorado River and the importance of the private sector contributions"

Reclamation's Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program was authorized in 1974 by the Colorado River Salinity Control Act (Public Law 93-320). The success of the seven basin states and Reclamation in reducing salinity in the Colorado River has consistently allowed the United States to meet salinity requirements, including meeting the terms of our agreements with Mexico regarding delivery of Colorado River water to that country. Consistent with federal legislation, collaborative guidance for this program is provided through the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, which includes representatives of the seven basin states.

The Baron of the Republic of Aquitaine has maintained his stance that government contributions are a necessary component to the preservation of community infrastructure but able private sector entities would also have to contribute. In a press conference earlier today the Baron was cited,

"I recently had the liberty to in fact speak to a representative a fund that is committed to advancing this cause. Given my recent positions in the financing realm, and the acquaintance of certain key regulatory officials I am aware of the tools that I have at my disposal. To answer your question, yes I am doing what I can to help this area and I am sure that the project will have a positive effect on the surrounding area."

Baron Christopher Knight Lopez was speaking in reference to an estimate 3.3 billion US dollar project that recently found its way to his attention. The Baron has recently been in a strong press for taking care of the environment, and the notion of renewable energies. In particular the Baron raised concerns about certain mussels and their ability to affect certain water infrastructure systems vital to the Colorado area.

The presence of invasive mussels, specifically the quagga mussel, is an issue that has risen since the publication of the study. These mussels have become established in the Colorado River from Lake Mead downstream. They have attached themselves to water intake facilities and have demonstrated the ability to quickly spread and impact water infrastructure systems conveying lower Colorado River water. Reclamation has formed an information-sharing partnership with other water facility managers to gather and share data, and develop and apply the best technology available to deal with invasive mussels impacts on water infrastructure. Reclamation recently held a Western Invasive Mussel Management Workshop in Las Vegas, Nevada, to discuss ways to address the quagga and zebra mussel infestation in the Colorado River and other western water bodies. The workshop featured presentations addressing issues of prevention and monitoring, control and mitigation, research, and outreach and education.

Concerns have been expressed regarding the effect of invasive mussels on overall water quality, or the role water quality plays in their spread. At this point, no specific relationships have been demonstrated, although various theories and predictions have been proposed. Reclamation will continue to share information with other agencies to help develop a sound body of information on this issue.

The Baron of Aquitaine attended a special session on this issue and recognized the fact that nature always has a balance, and when that balance is interrupted there has to be a conclusive cause discovered.

At an April meeting with the CRRSCo and other Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Reclamation led multi-agency discusses on water quality issues on the Colorado River. EPA representatives advised the stakeholders that it is the primary Federal agency for water quality issues and that each state is responsible for regulating water quality within its boundaries. The parties at the meeting also discussed the value of forming a working group to collaborate on wastewater and water quality issues along the Colorado River.