Red River Basin Chloride Control Project

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	Red River Basin Chloride Control Project Corps of Engineers

The Red River Chloride Control Project is authorized to identify and implement measures to reduce naturally occurring brine emissions into several sub-basins within the Red River Basin in northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. The project's primary purpose is to improve water quality for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses along the Red River within Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Improvements include construction of low-flow dams, pump stations, and diversion pipelines to impoundment facilities.

This project is a select major water strategy of the 2007 Texas Water Plan for the region and the state of Oklahoma has expressed a renewed interest in the Area VI element of the Red River project and reevaluation efforts are underway. Area VI is located on the Elm Fork of the North Fork of the Red River in Harmon County, Oklahoma.

Portions of the Wichita River Basin Chloride Control element, located in northwest Texas, have been constructed and have been in operation since 1987. Features completed and in operation include two low-flow collection dams, a pump station and diversion pipeline to the Truscott Brine Disposal Reservoir.

In 2003, construction efforts had been placed on hold until a cost-sharing partner was identified to assume the operation and maintenance responsibilities. However, passage of Section 3136 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 reaffirmed that operation and maintenance responsibilities would be at full Federal expense.

Land acquisition efforts for the remaining right of way at Area X are underway, with construction efforts scheduled to resume in October 2009.

Reevaluation efforts continue for Area VI within the Elm Fork Basin in Oklahoma. In addition, detailed baseline environmental monitoring activities are continuing.

Project Manager: Richard Bilinski - eMail

Authorization: This project was authorized for construction by the Flood Control Act of 1966, approved November 7, 1966, Public Law 89-789, SD 110; as modified by the Flood Control Act approved December 31, 1970, Public Law 91-611; and as amended by the Water Resources Development Acts of 1974 and 1976. The Water Resources Development Act of 1986, Public Law 99-662, amended the above authorization to separate the overall project into the Arkansas River Basin and the Red River Basin and authorized the Red River Basin for construction subject to a favorable report by a review panel on the performance of Area VIII. Section 3136 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 reaffirmed that operation and maintenance responsibilities would be at full Federal expense.

Status: Under Construction

Purpose: Water quality control.