OCR Text |
Show Narrative standards do not appear sufficient for addressing the cumulative long- term effects of discharge of potentially dangerous constituents into GSL. DEQ should develop a comprehensive plan to evaluate the need for numeric criteria to protect brine shrimp, brine flies, dominant algal species and bird life on GSL. This plan should compile, summarize and evaluate existing water quality information on the lake and identify data gaps. An analysis of lake contaminants, concentrations and loading should be conducted. Metals and other pollutants should be prioritized, bioassays should be collected across a matrix of contaminant concentrations and salinity gradients. This will identify if acute and chronic concentration criteria are needed for the lake. Development on the flood plain needs to be restricted to enterprises that expect to be abandoned by flooding or to take the responsibility for their own relocation or diking and pumping. The studies listed above would require significant time and funding resources. It would be unwise not to take a proactive approach and investigate the need for defensible numeric water quality criteria for the lake. Magcorp's waste ponds located below 4212 feet were damaged extensively during the 1980 flood years, resulting in the mixing of discharge- laden water with dioxin and other wastes with GSL waters. This is an oversight and should be investigated since it is inevitable that it will occur again. Water quality standards should be established, approved by EPA, monitored and enforced. Also, we recommend development of more comprehensive designation of beneficial use to include at least all current uses and the appropriate definition of aquatic wildlife. Management decisions that affect the lake should be evaluated for impacts on water quality and a very conservative and protective approach taken. If the water quality and chemistry of the lake is disrupted to the extent that remediation is required it will take longer and be much more expensive. The local, national and international importance of the lake should help acquire partners to participate in development of water quality standards. The state should be a leader in such an effort and attempt this in this planning effort. We recommend 3C and 3D numeric water quality standards be used for most constituents. All tributaries to the lake should have numeric standards with a minimum of3C and 3D and the appropriate TMDL should be developed and enforced. If the state continues with the narrative standards, new policy and implementation procedures will be needed to ensure appropriate application. How the chemistry of GSL has changed since before 1966 ( when UGS began its brine- chemistry monitoring program) is not really known. Before this time, there are only spotty chemical analyses which were not of the current quality, accuracy and 295 |