A toxic tour of Great Salt Lake, from High Country News
A recent article from High Country News sheds light on the alarming state of Great Salt Lake, the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere.
“Flying above Great Salt Lake, you’ll see a patchwork of colors. Evaporation ponds for potash production glow neon-green and fuchsia. The lake’s North Arm, separated from freshwater instream flows by a railroad causeway, radiates a bright pink from microorganisms that survive high salinity. The south half is a deep blue, punctuated by red streaks from brine shrimp cysts, which 21 companies harvest. Often there’s a brownish-gray smog, caused by emissions from magnesium producers and oil refineries or toxic dust clouds from the dried-up lakebed,” the article describes.
Despite dire warnings from scientists about the lake’s potential disappearance within five years due to drought and unsustainable water use, industrial extraction and pollution persist.
UPHE, along with other groups, took a significant step by suing the state of Utah for its failure to protect Great Salt Lake.
The article details the cumulative impacts of over a century of unchecked development, ranging from hazardous waste sites, proposed lithium mines, and industrial projects near crucial wetlands. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a vital habitat for over 200 bird species, faces threats from nearby projects approved by the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA).
The lake’s importance in wetland conservation and its role in supporting millions of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway cannot be overstated. However, the ongoing developments, including plans for lithium mining, inland ports, and industrial pollution, jeopardize both the lake and public health.
Health Risks:
The drying of the lake has led to toxic dust clouds from the exposed lakebed, exacerbating air quality issues in the region. Additionally, emissions from magnesium producers and oil refineries contribute to a brownish-gray smog, posing health risks to nearby residents.
The U.S. Magnesium plant, responsible for 10-25% of northern Utah’s air pollution, illegally disposed of hazardous waste for years, resulting in a Superfund site cleanup plan reliant on pumping water from Great Salt Lake. This raises concerns about the impact on air and water quality, affecting the well-being of communities in the vicinity.
If successful, our lawsuit could force the state to reconsider its approach to industrial development and prioritize the lake’s ecological well-being over economic interests, although it’s worth noting that between lake-provided industry, and health related costs, protecting the lake’s ecology is in the economic interest of the state.