| OCR Text |
Show Preliminary findings, accompanied with the knowledge that certain species of invertebrates function to decompose organic matter, indicate that the unique rocky substrate ( described in Section B) supports an ecosystem that may be important in determining the water quality of the lake. Now that the unique area has been delineated, it is planned to continue the study and attempt to determine the beneficial impact that the resident invertebrates, particularly filter- feeding sponges, are having upon water quality. It is hoped that final study results would show whether or not the water- purifying function of the invertebrate community inhabiting the rocky substrate scheduled to be destroyed by Goshen Bay Dike should be duplicated along the inside of the dike by simulating the required habitat. It is possible that unmitigated elimination of the rocky shoal area could have an adverse impact upon the water quality of the reduced Utah Lake. The Bureau of Reclamation supports this study and intends to utilize the results in making decisions about this feature of the Bonneville Unit. Under Unit operation waters that are now tributary to the Provo Bay would be diverted or pumped directly into Utah Lake. While the cooler water of the lake would not be so conducive to bacteria multiplication and growth, it is possible that waters of poor bacteriological quality- would be detrimental to recreational aspects of the lake. It is probable that present sources of bacteriological contamination of the bay waters will be eliminated or at least improved when the time comes for development of the bay. For example, Provo City is committed to the State of Utah for the completion by 1976 of a four- phase program to improve the overall quality of the effluent from their sewage treatment plant. The quality of the effluent would be raised to that of Class " C" waters as defined in the Utah Water Pollution Control Act ( as amended 1967). Completion of this program is contingent, however, upon EPA funding. Water of Class " C" quality is suitable for domestic use with treatment by coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. It is suitable without treatment for esthetics, irrigation, stock watering, propagation and perpetuation of fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife. It is also suitable for recreational purposes except swimming. This water would also be suitable for industrial supplies and other uses as may be determined by the Utah State Board of Health. Brigham Young University has developed a computer model for forecasting water budget and water quality changes in Utah Lake as part of its Utah Lake Diking Project study under EPA Grant 16080- EVT. This model is based on Utah Lake data collected during the years from 1968 to 1971 by the Utah Lake Research Station and the Utah Lake Diking Project. The greatest application of this model will be in predicting changes in Utah Lake under conditions that would be imposed by the Bonneville Unit. As part of this study the effect of nutrient loadings will also be assessed. Publications of studies which contain an analysii of present nutrient loadings in Utah Lake are " Eutrophication of Utah 394 |
