Cleaning up Kesterson

Journal Article · · Resources; (United States)

OSTI ID:5289744

Wahl, R W

Selenium contamination of the Kesterson Reservoir in central California was the result of leaching caused by agricultural irrigation. The mineral concentrated in vegetation and small animal life as it moved up the food chain. The state has made efforts to discourage waterfowl from using the area in the short term, but a cleanup and drainage strategy is still uncertain as to procedure or cost. The author explores proposals to allow farmers to sell their drainage water at market value rather than permitting its entrance into the reservoir. The proposal involves the voluntary sale of water rights, federal subsidies, and a cooperative effort by a number of agencies to make a brokerage system work. 1 figure, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Dept. of the Interior, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5289744
• Journal Information: Resources; (United States), Journal Name: Resources; (United States) Vol. 83; ISSN RESUB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290400 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CALIFORNIA
CONTROL
COOPERATION
ECONOMICS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEDERAL REGION IX
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION
IRRIGATION
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION CONTROL
SALES
SELENIUM
SEMIMETALS
USA
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WATER RIGHTS