A wish list to save Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake has quickly become one of the most pressing issues facing air quality and quality of life along the Wasatch Front and in Utah. There are a smörgåsbord of factors that contribute to the critical state the lake is in. Luckily, that means there are a number of ways we’re able to improve its health as well.
There have been a number of ideas promoted by the legislature and local government to address the issue. Not all of them are reasonable, scientifically backed, or urgent enough, though.
The Salt Lake Tribune “spoke to lobbyists, environmental advocates, the agriculture industry, researchers and other stakeholders about what other policies they’d like to see in the upcoming legislative session, which kicks off on Jan. 17.” They came up with three major themes from their conversions.
1. Lake-based industries: Support engineered solutions
“Brine shrimp harvesting and mineral extraction funnel millions into Utah’s economy each year, but companies are on the verge of seeing their profits evaporate along with the lake’s rapidly receding water…
While engineering the lake to control for evaporation and salinity might sound extreme, it’s already happening. State managers are using a railroad causeway that bisects the lake to seal off the lake’s saltier north arm, preventing brine from flowing to the south arm and further spiking salinity levels.”
2. Farmers: Skeptical about giving up their water and want more assurances
One idea growing in popularity is paying farmers to lease out their water rights and divert them to Great Salt Lake. About 85% of the Great Salt Lake’s watershed is used for agriculture. Because of outdated laws, water is often wasted by farmers scared to lose their rights. There is funding and programs available to encourage water conservation in agriculture.
3. Lake researchers and advocates: It’s time for drastic measures
Business as usual will result in a completely unlivable Wasatch Front. Big industry needs to be curbed. “The area north of the proposed inland port is of particular concern. “I really think the state needs to step up and either buy that land outright and set it aside,” Heather Dove, president of Great Salt Lake Audubon said, “or at least help to pay for conservation easements for that area so it is protected.”