| OCR Text |
Show lake levels to achieve full enhancement. Under existing conditions, the state can operate WDPP at 4208 feet. The 1995 plan and this planning effort have suggested the idea of zones for planning purposes. Specific plans could be devised for resource management if the lake level was in one of the seven zones. Although predicting lake level has not proven to be very reliable, this plan does, by planning for all levels of the lake, address the possibility of the lake reaching 4212 feet by 2007. Trend analysis of lake levels would be of benefit to future planning and management for the lake. Some economic analysis has been conducted as part of the planning process and information on predicted damages to industries will be considered. The most recent data available are included. Much of the information provided in the original SCCT, while current at its writing, is now out of date. There must be a reasonable cutoff point for data. The strategy in alternative B would be to determine actions on a case- by- case basis rather than specify actions ahead of time. 1.2 a Other Weather trends need to be included in the analysis of lake level in regard to lake level management. It is not the intent of DNR to actively manage the level of the lake, which would be economically unfeasible. 1.3 Determine policy for WDPP operation Generally, comments supported the preferred alternative to utilize the WDPP to respond to emergency flooding situations to protect important infrastructure. There was considerable agreement that a mix of north and south arm brines should be routed to the WDPP. This would require several modifications. Ensuring a full return cycle to return salts to the lake was also supported by nearly all respondents. Industry adjacent to the lake generally supports pumping at 4205 feet. Other stakeholders do not want to utilize the pumps to protect industry or other resources and support natural lake level fluctuation for ecosystem health reasons. Approximately 30 percent of the respondents had an opinion or comment regarding operation of the WDPP. Will additional breaching solve the salinity problem? High tax payer costs were associated with the WDPP to protect infrastructure and industry at risk. Attempting to manage lake level or enhance the operation of this facility for those that benefit by occupying this hazardous flood plain extends this free ride and should require an environmental assessment. It is very unlikely that planners will be able to obtain funding, overcome constraints and resolve other associated problems related to ensuring salt return. 276 |
