OCR Text |
Show The water surface of the diked lake would continue to fluctuate with essentially the same pattern that occurs historically. A maximum level would be reached each spring. The lake level normally is drawn down 4 to 5 feet through the summer and recovers through the fall and winter months. Bureau of Reclamation water supply operation studies for the Unit show that in the better water years the lake levels would remain higher or nearer to compromise levels than historically. Over a series of drought years, however, the lake would be drawn down to lower levels more frequently than has occurred historically. The extremes under Unit operation would not exceed those of past record. Historically, the level of Utah Lake has fluctuated from a high of 3.1 feet above compromise level in May of 1922 and 1952 to a low of 12.5 feet below compromise level recorded in September 1935. At the present time, pumping equipment is only capable of drawing the lake down to about 9.3 feet below compromise level with some dredging required. With the Unit, the yield to be delivered to the present lake users would largely determine the extent to which the lake would be drawn down. Original plans to restore the Pelican Point Pumping Plant have been deleted from the Unit plan ( refer to Section A). Attempts would be made to hold drawdown to a minimum and yet satisfy utilization requirements. Future flood damage around Utah Lake would be decreased under Unit conditions. This would be accomplished by utilizing Goshen Bay for spills and through conservation storage in Jordanelle Reservoir for flood control purposes. A spillway would be constructed at one end of the dike to provide for spilling lake water into Goshen Bay during extreme flood conditions. The Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the existing value of Utah Lake in its present form. Some of these values particularly those associated with fishing, hunting, and outdoor appreciation and recreation are described in Section B. It is also recognized that the ecology of this large lake is, at present, not adequately understood and that without further studies it is not possible to properly identify, evaluate, and minimize adverse environmental impacts that would result from construction and operation of this phase of the Bonneville Unit. The existing schedule for construction is such that at least five years of time are available in which to carry out required studies. The Bureau of Reclamation is presently in the preliminary stages of formulating for a long- term 245 |