OCR Text |
Show extending the inlet channel and other related modifications was studied and feasibility costs estimated. In the absence of an emergency, DNR was discouraged from pursuing funding for modifications to the WDPP. Also, institutional factors such as those related to Hill AFB Bombing and Gunnery Range discouraged pursuing some resolution of the 1995 plan. The present Great Salt Lake Comprehensive Management Plan has re- addressed the WDPP and has recommended as the preferred alternative a plan to extend the inlet canal and resolve the return brine channel with the Hill AFB, but start pumping at 4208 feet, not 4205 feet as proposed in the 1995 plan. In a general sense, more is known about the lake's ecosystem after flooding occurs. The relatively quick recovery of habitat and the renewal of vegetation after the high water years brought about an increased appreciation for lake level fluctuations. DNR has consulted lake industries, UDOT, UPRR, etc., and has estimated the differences in damages between not pumping, beginning to pump at 4205 feet, and beginning at 4208 feet. The cumulative damage numbers are in thousands. Lake Elevation Current Situation Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C 4205 $ 8,438 $ 8,438 $ 8,438 $ 8,438 4208 $ 51,731 $ 46,281 $ 51,731 $ 22,338 4210 $ 63,756 $ 55,341 $ 64,256 $ 30,948 4212 $ 95,056 $ 91,976 $ 223,306 $ 62,293 Economically, it is recognized that Alternative C minimizes the damage and cost to GSL industry and other structures and facilities around the lake. The reduction in damages is greater by beginning pumping at 4205 feet than waiting until 4208 feet. However, the GSL is a physical system composed of many natural elements. Economics alone can not be the deciding factor regarding WDPP operation. Alternative C represents a pumping scenario that most likely means that a full pumping cycle will not be possible. Pumping through a full cycle is paramount because it minimizes the deposition of salt on the west desert. The costs of modifying the WDPP to operate at 4205 feet, the increased difficulties of returning the minerals from the West Desert Pond, the institutional factors, and operating time considerations ( less than 10 percent of the time for Alternative A, over 30 percent of the time for Alternative C) provide the rationale for selecting the 4208 foot preferred alternative. The other aspects of Alternative A, which take into account the lake's natural features, better corroborate the balanced approach the CMP takes for management of the lake. 1.4 Declining flows at Locomotive Springs WMA. No continuous, representative discharge records exist for the springs. This data should be collected to determine if the flow to the springs is actually declining due to human interference. It would not be prudent to plunge into a " solution" to the issue of spring flow without a good understanding of how the flow system functions. Water supplying 235 |