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Show the springs is thought to originate in the alluvial aquifers of the Holbrook- Snowville flow system to the north, or the deep regional carbonate aquifer which underlies western Utah and eastern Nevada, or a combination of the two. Studies to determine how much water each system contributes are essential to determine if a problem exists and to craft an effective mitigation and/ or remediation plan. To be valid, these studies would require the cooperation, or at least the acquiescence, of the State of Idaho. DWRi has sent two letters to the State of Idaho on this matter, neither of which has received a response. 1.5 Administration of water rights and supply in GSL drainage basin. Many of the drainage basins tributary to the lake are closed or restricted for new appropriations of water. As a result, the acquisition of water rights to supplement existing and future activities in and around the lake will proceed on a willing seller/ willing buyer basis. Planning activities dealing with water rights above the lake's meander line are beyond the scope and authority of this planning effort. 1.6 Determine state policy regarding creating large fresh water embayments like Lake Wasatch, Lake Davis, and other inter- island diking proposals. Several proposals for inter- island diking and fresh water embayments on GSL have been funded and studied to varying degrees over the years. None of the proposals have been implemented due to the lack of political and financial support. DNR does not support the proposals because of extensive impacts on sovereign land, lake resources and risk associated with geologic hazards. The locations of the proposed projects are on lands the legislature has authorized DWR use for wildlife purposes. The likelihood that impounded water will be suitable for its intended use is questionable. DEQ/ DWQ agrees with this assessment. There are a variety of other reasons ( see pages ?). The preferred alternative would not permanently preclude developments of this kind, but it would require a plan amendment if projects were to be approved. The amendment process would ensure extensive public review of proposals. 2.1 Identify the salinity management regime for GSL. DNR acknowledges the effect human- made structures have on GSL. Evaporation ponds can increase salinity to the point that shoreline habitat is lost. Causeways affect the interchange of brines: ( 1) Farmington Bay is less saline than would be under natural conditions for a given lake level; ( 2) the north arm ( Gunnison Bay) is more saline and the south arm ( Gilbert Bay) less saline than would be under natural conditions for a given lake level. The WDPP deposited a substantial volume of salt on the west desert, thereby affecting the salt balance in the lake. To one degree or another, bird refuge and WMA dikes impound fresh water and prevent lake water from reaching what would be natural shoreline areas. In actively managed areas, such as solar ponds and WMAs, the desired effect is achieved by influencing salinity. All of these effects are acceptable in the context of public trust management and multiple- use framework for GSL as long as sustainability is not jeopardized. Much of the sustainability question is a social, economic and political matter and it deals with the acceptability of varying degrees to which natural systems are impacted. But there must be a standard that constrains the range of social and political decision- making. The measure of sustainability DNR chooses to use, and against which future management 236 |
