Expanded coal production and conversion in the Yampa River basin, Colorado and Wyoming, may have substantial impacts on water resources, environmental amenities, and socioeconomic conditions.Preliminary results of a 3-year basin assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey are given for evaluation of surface-and ground-water resources using available data, modeling analysis of waste-load capacity of a Yampa River reach affected by municipal wastewater-treatment plant effluents, and semiquantitative descriptions of ambient air and water-quality conditions. Aspects discussed are possible constraints on proposed development due to basin compacts and laws regulating water resources, possible change; in environmental-control regulations, and policies on energy-resource leasing and land use that will influence regional economic development.
Key Words and Document Analysis. 17o. DescriptorsWater resources, Regional development, Planning, Energy conversion, Coal-mine wastes, Environmental effects, Water-supply decision making, Water quality, Systems analysis, Water rights, Water demand, River-basin development, Public lands, Land use, Colorado, Wyoming, Data collection A major concern of the American public is the enhancement and protection of the environment at minimal social costs, particularly with respect to development and utilization of the Nation's energy resources. The substantial investments made over recent years to protect and to improve air and water quality are being evaluated critically for effectiveness and social desirability. A review of existing and pending legislation which establishes acceptable national goals for environmental protection (including air-and water-quality standards, and land-use planning) is being conducted with the intent of setting more realistic goals in response to changing policies on economic development and energy consumption.The Yampa River basin assessment is one of a series of multidisciplinary studies supported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Each study has considered unique circumstances regarding the physical setting and forms of economic development affecting the environment. In the case of the Yampa River basin, coal resources, population growth, limited water availability, and associated economic development pose as potential problems affecting existing conditions and lifestyle in the region. These studies will help to determine the types and forms of hydrologic, geologic, and other information useful to decisionmaking administrators in their analyses of policies affecting development and use of natural resources.Decisions affecting energy-resource development need to consider the environmental and economic impacts of such development. Expanded energyresource development will lead to increased generation and discharge of residual waste materials to the land, surface and ground waters, and the air. Through modification or treatment, some residuals may be converted to commercial products of economic value. Discharged residuals generally will have an impact on environmental qu...
