annual operating expenses are expected to be $1,750,000. Utilization of the project at lake
elevations of 4208 feet and higher would have the pumps operating approximately 10 out of 100
years. Utilization of the project at lake elevations of 4204 and higher would have the project in
operation approximately 35 out of 100 years. If or when the pumps are started, they should be
operated through a full annual cycle to avoid precipitation and loss of salts in the West Desert
Pond and then pumping should be evaluated again to determine whether it should continue
through another year cycle.
Mr. Carter discussed salinity changes in the Great Salt Lake. The north arm is becoming
more saline and the south arm is becoming less saline. Some of the effects of the changes in
salinity include decreased brine shrimp populations, increased salt toxicity to birds, higher rates
of salt precipitation, and fundamental changes to the aquatic ecosystem.
Mr. Clay Perschon, Division of Wildlife Resources, stated the division has been
undertaking intense research out on the lake and has found that the decrease in salinity on the south arm of the lake is not healthy for brine shrimp populations. It is possible that an increase
in algae is also responsible for the decrease in the brine shrimp population.
Mr. Larry Anderson, Division of Water Resources, indicated the division expects the
south arm of the lake to rise to 4203.5 feet. He pointed out that the West Desert pumping project
was built as an emergency flood control project, not as a lake management project. Most of the
water that comes into the lake flows into the south arm. The majority of the water is becoming
fresher. He noted there are no proposed dam projects on the Jordan or Weber Rivers. Dams on
the Bear River would have a minimal impact on the level of the lake.
3. Current Water Quality Issues in Utah - Mr. Don Ostler, Division of Water Quality, explained the Clean Water Act requires states to report biennially to Congress on the status of
their waters and make a list of impaired waters. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are
required to be derived for all impaired waters. A TMDL provides a number that can be used as a
target for pollution reduction. Once a TMDL is established, a plan is established to reduce
pollution. He noted that although point source pollutants are pretty well controlled in Utah and
the nation, there is not a lot of control for nonpoint source pollution. Utah has 467 impaired
water bodies that will require plans to control TMDLs.
Mr. Ostler pointed out that the western governors support TMDL requirements and
encourage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow states to have flexibility and
sufficient time to accomplish the requirements. The governors advocate the use of incentive
based approaches and voluntary actions to control nonpoint source pollution.
Mr. Ostler reviewed EPA's draft strategy for animal feeding operations (AFOs) and
confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). EPA has estimated that there are approximately
6,600 CAFOs and 450,000 AFOs nationwide.
Mr. Bob Walton, Sierra Club, indicated a large increase is planned in the number of
CAFOs. He said the state needs to take a serious look at these operations to learn more about
their impact on the environment.
Mr. Ostler stated there has been a great deal of controversy relative to the Circle Four hog
operation in Milford. There has been a significant regulatory effort to protect surface and ground
water. The state has not allowed any surface water discharge from the operation, and there is no
runoff from the operation's property. Animal waste is conveyed through a pipe into a waste
lagoon. The lagoons are designed to have no discharge to surface waters. Most of the farms in
question are located far from surface water sources. Mr. Ostler noted, however, that odors can be
a significant problem. Currently there is no requirement as to how close one of these facilities
can be located to an existing structure. The issue of financial assurance is also important to allow
proper closure of these facilities.
Mr. Art Eggertsen, Executive Director, Responsible Agriculture Campaign, stated he also
has concerns about the Circle Four operation. He said these operations are an emerging issue at
the national level. There is currently legislation in Congress that is calling for a ban on the
lagoons, because they consistently fail. There are many questions that surround the problem of
evaporative pollutants contaminating surface water. Some experts have indicated the
evaporation from the lagoons in southern Utah could saturate a 16 mile radius with nitrates
which would affect sensitive water resources, including the Virgin River.
MOTION: Sen. Evans moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:55 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.