Overheard conversation about the results of the red dye study. Researcher was explaining that it was observed that the affects of the selenium contaminated water was concentrated near and about one mile away from shore there was enough vertical turbulence that it was disseminating and not an issue. But that the red dye was mostly staying right around the shoreline.
This is interesting given that swimming along the shoreline rather than heading perpendicular, may result in greater risk of swimming in contaminated water.
Laura Ault led the discussion.
Intros....
* Laura Vernon - update of GSL Comprehensive Management plan draft given to attorneys to review and some modifications. Draft available very soon, after which a 45 day comment period. Will email out notification ice it's available online. Near the end of that 45 day period about 5 meetings will be scheduled for folks to come in person to talk about.
* Wally Gwynn - dikes and causeways on the GSL
Uses: transportation or restricting water flow. There are 9 dikes or causeways in the GSL. 90 miles worth.
In 1969 the north antelope causeway was built. Flooded on 1984-1989.
Willard bay dike is 15.6 miles long and is there to create freshwater recreation area. The dike there is about 4220 so it's high enough to reduce risk of overflowing should the lake rise.
US magnesium started in 1972.
Behrens trench 21 mile underwater trench transports the concentrated brine through gravity. Takes about seven to ten days to get from the west to the east side by the Promontory mountains. It was designed that way so it wouldn't mix much. Its an engineering marvel.
The first 11 miles is the greatest elevation drop. Loses about 20% through mixing. It dissolves just a little with the water.
The pumps on the west at the south end of the Hogup mountains takes water from the north arm. GSLM has permits to use the land right around the pumps and in the contract has agreed to provide the lake water to reach the pumps should it get high enough to run the pumps again.
Morrison Knudsen won contract in 1954 to build the causeway for the railroad at 53 million dollars.
Salinity between south and north between 18 - 28% on the north and 7 - 22% on south.
In 80s Utah breached the causeway to reduce lake levels and it cost $3.5 million. It really caused the south and north water levels to level out.
BREAK
I left at this point as I was already beyond the point where I needed to be to work, but Wally's historical slide show and discussion was VERY interesting!
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