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Seepage from unlined leaking irrigation ditches in the region is a significant source of ground water which mobilizes naturally-occurring salts in the Mancos Shale-derived soils and underlying shale formations. Construction of the Proposed Action will provide a buried pipe delivery system to replace existing unlined ditches, which will eliminate seepage and reduce salinity in the Colorado River basin by an estimated 1,284 tons of salt per year. This will provide benefits for a broad spectrum of interests, including downstream water users, environmental interests, and local, state, and federal government agencies.