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Show Studies have shown that the quality of water collected in any large impoundment in the lake does not meet qualities needed for M& I or agriculture uses without very expensive treatment. Water needed for agriculture or M& I uses should be captured before it reaches the lake. Alternatives proposed by the planning team considered reducing new dikes, impoundments and other human- induced changes in the lake. 1.7 Other hydrology topics It is our understanding that a watershed management plan is being considered by another entity. This should be studied, developed and implemented to manage the whole GSL watershed. It is difficult to manage a watershed at the lowest point in the system. Comprehending the meaning of population growth, air and water pollution interactions is utterly impossible unless watershed assessment and monitoring capabilities are created now and fully integrated into GSL planning. A watershed approach to this plan has been considered. Focusing on state lands below or adjacent to the meander line was deemed the most practicable approach at this time. DNR will pursue options for achieving watershed- oriented objectives through planning processes of other entities. DNR understands and agrees with arguments in favor of watershed- based planning. With the exception of water quality standards, DNR believes the regulatory and non- regulatory framework for natural resource management in the watershed is adequate and that lake- related issues can be addressed through participation in planning efforts undertaken by other entities. Currently, there is no basin- wide coordination. The draft plan should discuss water circulation in the lake. It is important for lake salinity and for other aquatic constituents that natural circulation patterns be restored and are unimpeded. The plan does not explicitly address water circulation. To totally restore " natural" circulation, all dikes would have to be removed. The plan does not propose this option; however, the team has proposed alternatives to change the current conditions where reasonable. The lake's function as a basin sink must be recognized. Although this effort may be constrained to involve only sovereign lands, standards and thresholds for the lake should be specified and serve to guide or regulate watershed influences ( input of sediments, sewer effluent, etc.). The alternatives for the flood plain, pumping and salinity are all based on the basin being a sink. Comments indicate this fact is not well recognized. Refer to " Water Quality" section of the SCCT. 2.0 WATER CHEMISTRY 2.1 Identify salinity management regime for GSL Salinity is the most contentious issue in this planning process. The majority of the respondents support DNR in taking action to reduce or minimize the salinity difference 282 |