OCR Text |
Show mitigation for flooding? What are the environmental benefits? This would require further analysis. The draft plan should better explain what " complete a full return cycle" means. What management criteria would be used to determine how the mixture of north and south arm brines would be formulated? When low salinity is a threat to the GSL ecosystem, pumping any brines from the north arm seems unwise. Pumping at 4205 feet seems unwise because it is too constraining on the lake. Lake level fluctuation distributes salinity throughout the ecosystem and rejuvenates the surrounding wetlands. This ecosystem evolved with this natural lake level fluctuation dynamic and this is a necessary function to sustain the ecosystem with its shifting mosaic of wetland types. Do not utilize the pumps or other means to regulate or mitigate the impact of high lake levels. The use of pumps will encourage increased development below 4217feet. Allow the maximum variation in lake level to sustain the natural wetland and wildlife resources of the lake. However, pumps could be used to provide protection for existing structures. Efforts to deal with the high lake level in the 1980s caused some problems to the overall ecology of the lake. This plan, through an updated water salt balance model by USGS and ecology studies, will make recommendations to address the salinity/ ecosystem of the lake. The WDPP was initiated by the state as an emergency flood- control procedure, not for lake- level management. The purpose of the project was to help reduce flooding impacts. Comments are well taken that many concerns need to be considered in developing an operating policy for the WDPP. The pumps are currently " moth- balled." Funding requests for WDPP operation would be submitted through budgetary processes. The ultimate funding decision rests with the Legislature. There will be some unavoidable loss of salt to the West Desert with whatever pumping policy is implemented. There is no expectation that the lake can be managed at a given level. DNR acknowledges the need to coordinate with SITLA on WDPP operation. Initial contact has been made. Consultation will continue. Analysis to address objectives, economic/ ecological costs and benefits is important. Additional information will be added to the report regarding the current situation for pumping. The recommendation in the 1995 plan is an alternative to the current situation and is categorized this way because of the review this issue has undergone since the 1995 plan. In 1995, the feasibility of re- plumbing WDPP to enable pumping at lower levels 278 |