– By Amy Brunvand
A new report by researchers at Utah State University says that proposed development of the Bear River could turn the Great Salt Lake into an environmental catastrophe like the Aral Sea or Owens Lake. Consumptive uses have already decreased the lake’s volume by 48% and lower lake leeks, “will increase dust pollution and related human health impacts, and reduce industrial and environmental function of Great Salt Lake.” Worse, dust from a dry lakebed is likely to reduce mountain snowpack, resulting in bad skiing and a worsening cycle of water scarcity.
White Paper, “Impacts of Water Development on Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Front” usu.edu/today/?ID=55565
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