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Show The State Engineer held a public meeting on March 3, 1999 in Snowville to discuss the current groundwater conditions in the valley. The data shows that the discharge from Locomotive Springs has dropped considerably during the last 40 years. The solution to this matter is complex and potentially very controversial- it will most likely take considerable effort to resolve. Inter- Island Diking and Freshwater Embayment Proposals Over the past hundred years, the state has received several significant proposals for major inter- island diking projects to create large freshwater embayments in GSL. Lake Wasatch ( 1990), Lake Davis ( 1993) and Lake Bonneville ( 1996) are a few examples of recent proposals to create freshwater impoundments. Sponsors of these projects listed the following potential benefits: • Provide and enhance recreational and tourism opportunities- boating, fishing and water sports. • Provide year- round water storage to supply increasing municipal and irrigational demands. • Provide opportunities for economic development ( industrial and residential) around these impoundments. • Protect wildlife and upgrade existing habitat ( freshwater system). • Provide transportation and utility corridors across these dikes. • Provide flood protection to facilities, industries, causeways and other areas bordering the lake. • Improve aesthetics, quality of life and enhance lifestyles. • Improve economy and provide additional revenue. " These proposals have been the subject of repeated, detailed and scientific studies. The studies have uniformly found the proposals unworkable for a variety of reasons ..." ( DFFSL, 1996). In 1996, the Utah Sovereign Lands Advisory Council along with Governor Michael Leavitt replied to the Bonneville proposal by stating that " The Bonneville Bay proposal could dramatically affect certain sovereign lands and would be similar to other concepts the state has repeatedly studied and rejected." In 1990, the Great Salt Lake Development Authority, as defined in Utah Code Ann. Section 17A- 2- 1603( 9), rejected the Wasatch Lake proposal by stating that it " does not appear to be economically or environmentally feasible." Some of the reasons that these proposals have been rejected are listed below: • Did not appear to be economically or environmentally feasible • Loss or damage to existing wetlands • Impact on wetlands and other wildlife habitat • Cost of diking, pumping and transportation facilities • During flood events, it would require larger pump system • Salinity problems • Earthquake safety and dike stability concerns • Studies showed the proposals could not provide water with quality adequate for agriculture or M& I uses 39 |
