Great Salt Lake is Shrinking and That’s Not Good for our Air Quality

Dr. Moench was on NPR this week on the “All Things Considered” segment dealing with the disappearance of the Great Salt Lake and what the health consequences will be from dust from the dry lakebed.  The Great Salt Lake’s water level is projected to hit a 170-year low this year. Scientists say that could have dire implications for migratory birds, if the lake’s food chain collapses as a result.

“In Utah, we’re approaching this kind of trifecta. We’re having increased levels of ozone. We’re having increased levels of particulate pollution, especially during the summer and wildfire season. And now we’re going to be experiencing, in the future, more and more dust storms. In short, the last thing we need is more dust from what is now the Great Salt Puddle. Utah legislators have a wellspring of bad ideas, and near the top of that long list is the Bear River Project which would drain even more of the Bear River, the main inlet to the lake, dropping the lake even further. Utah citizens need to shout with one giant voice, “No, to the Bear River Project!” said Dr. Moench.

Listen to NPR’s All Things Considered segment here