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Show Great Salt Lake. Water quality studies of the Jordan River have documented high coliform counts, heavy metals and other toxic inorganic substances, depleted dissolved oxygen levels, and periodic high levels of total dissolved solids. 2.13 Disaster and Emergency Response This section discusses flood hazard mitigation and drought response. It also briefly discusses programs now in place and additional programs that could be beneficial in dealing with flooding and drought problems. Reacting to a disaster or emergency after it has already occurred is generally inefficient, and a waste of time, money and resources. Pre- disaster activities, such as floodplain management, hazard mitigation and planning, are the preferred approaches. Many types of emergency situations are water- related, varying from disastrous flooding to extreme drought. Because flows are regulated at the outlet from Utah Lake, flooding has not been a significant problem along the main stem of the Jordan River. Recent history, however, has given Salt Lake County residents cause for alarm along several tributaries to the Jordan River. Record snowpack and spring runoff in 1983 and 1984 resulted in numerous occurrences of local- flooding, landslides, and mud- flow problems throughout the valley, particularly along the Wasatch Front streams on the east side of the valley. Also, the rising level of the Great Salt Lake, caused by record runoff from 1983 to 1986, caused many millions of dollars in damages to Salt Lake County residents. Comprehensive Emergency Management assists the county to maintain its preparedness plans. No single entity has sole authority for flood control management activities. Cities and counties have the necessary statutory authority to act, but at least six other state and federal agencies also have some degree of authority and responsibility. The state's emergency response and hazard mitigation coordination authority rests with CEM. Droughts do not pose as great a threat to life and property as floods. This is primarily because existing reservoirs make it possible to provide water for essential life functions throughout the period of drought. The industry most impacted by drought is the agricultural community. In periods of extreme drought, when all users are required to cut back on water consumption, farmers can suffer significant financial losses if not total crop failure. Wildlife and waterfowl management areas adjacent to the Great Salt Lake are other water users significantly affected by drought. Not all local governments are aware of their responsibilities as they relate to flood plain management, nor do all communities have a disaster response plan in place. Local communities should develop disaster response plans with the assistance of the Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management. 2.14 Fisheries and Water- Related Wildlife This section describes the Jordan River Basin fish and wildlife resources, discusses existing and potential needs, and presents recommendations. Wildlife is still common along rivers, creeks, wetlands, wooded areas, abandoned fields and parks within many areas of the Jordan River Basin. It is one of the valued amenities of living along the Wasatch Front. In a recent survey, more than 95 percent of Salt Lake City residents said they enjoyed seeing wildlife in their neighborhoods. Economic projections suggest that substantial growth will continue in the Jordan River Basin well into the 21st century. Recently, development has spread into areas of high- value wildlife habitat depleting the limited resource. Wildlife is still common along rivers and steams and in wetlands, woodlots, abandoned fields, parks and throughout residential neighborhoods within many Wasatch Front communities. Through proper planning and establishment of a system of wildlife areas throughout the basin, residents can capitalize on the unique wildlife resources and preserve the diversity of plants and wildlife. The Jordan River Stability Study recommends a river management plan that stresses non- structural management techniques, such as zoning restrictions and control of land use within the defined river meander corridor. Structural elements of the plan are intended to be used to enhance the natural on- going fluvial processes and reestablish a more natural channel pattern as well as protect existing development from erosion. Along with improving bank stability, erosion control and water quality, this approach should have a positive impact on fishery and wildlife habitat. Salt Lake County passed an ordinance in 1994 establishing a Jordan River Meander Corridor. The ordinance established the boundaries of the Jordan River's natural meander pattern, sets limits on the types of development and 2- 6 |