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Show Water quality and quantity are important in maintaining GSL ecosystems. These variables are considered on a case- by- case basis. Several state, county and federal water quality monitoring projects are ongoing in and around GSL. Davis and Weber Counties are monitoring inflows to GSL as close to the lake as possible. DEQ is also monitoring water quality in several locations. TMDLs will be completed for impaired high priority waters including the Jordan River in the future. It is uncertain if or when TMDLs will be completed for the lake. All dischargers upstream and those entering into the lake must be permitted. There are limits on heavy metal discharges upstream. No problems have been identified. Existing controls appear to be adequate and there is no indication that further controls are needed. More information would help better identify water quality concerns. Several nonpoint source water quality projects are conducted upstream and efforts are slow to reduce all the problems associated with these sources. The cumulative impacts of these sources are unknown. However DWQ and DAQ are continually working on improving air and water quality along the Wasatch Front. We know very little regarding the harmful effects of heavy metals and other pollutants on lake invertebrates and the rest of the food chain. See R317- 2- 7.2 of the Utah State Code. The current narrative provides a level of protection. The team will consider recommending research on water quality impacts on GSL organisms. Funding partners and legislative support would be needed. Studies are ongoing regarding Magcorp contaminants near GSL. Low levels of toxins have been identified. The planning team will consider problems associated with flooding of dikes. DWQ and DNR need more clearly defined suggestions in regard to a " more comprehensive designation of beneficial use" and how the " definition of aquatic wildlife" should be changed. These definitions have been written broadly to capture all of the potential impairments to the resource and includes all uses, even some specific uses. The water quality standards are reviewed every three years, providing an opportunity for comment. DNR is interested in specific concerns regarding water quality and chemistry problems related to the resources that DNR has jurisdiction over, including wildlife. Additional information is needed to consider changing water quality classifications and upgrading numerical standards for tributary inflows to the lake. 3.2 Determine GSL wetland policy The public supports DNR in developing GSL protection strategies. Only 6 percent of the respondents had an opinion on this topic. Most of the concerns related to wetlands include nutrient loading, contamination and wetland protection for wildlife and water quality. The planning team developed this alternative to respond to scoping comments and to improve resource management. 297 |