BACKGROUND:
On October 23, 2019 Council passed a resolution, which is attached, urging state officials to consider all options for restoration of the Salton Sea including the import of salt water. A second resolution was approved in 2020 and is also attached. Supporters of this option have again approached Councilmembers asking for an additional resolution of support. During the Council discussion of future agenda items on May 25, staff was asked to prepare an additional resolution for consideration.
DISCUSSION:
To simplify a complex issue, the Salton Sea (“Sea”) has been evaporating at a faster pace than it has been replenished since the mid 1980’s 1. Historically, the Sea was replenished by (i) water from the Colorado River and, (ii) to a lesser extent, run-off from local agricultural over-watering2.
Prior to December 31, 2017, an inflow of Colorado River water was used to slow the declining Sea level. This water inflow was governed by a 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement between the Imperial Irrigation District and the San Diego County Water Authority. Unfortunately for the Sea, as of December 31, 2017 Colorado River water is no longer being diverted to replenish the declining Sea 2. Some experts have estimated that the Sea will lose more than half its volume by 2030. “A 3-foot decline in the water level would expose more than 11,000 acres of lakebed or playa,”3.
As the Sea evaporates, more lakebed becomes exposed and dries out, ultra-fine particulates (PM-10 and PM-2.5) and other toxins become airborne. PM-10 particulates are small enough to enter human lungs and, among exacerbating other health conditions, is known to worsen asthma symptoms 5. PM-2.5 particulates are small enough to enter the human blood stream and affect our DNA 4. These are real health risks that are impacting Valley residents now and will become much worse if not addressed3. These negative health effects will extend throughout the Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley and are believed to reach into and beyond the Los Angeles basin.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
References:
1. http://helpthesaltonsea.weebly.com/history.html
2. https://www.saltonseaactioncommittee.org/faqs
3. https://news.usc.edu/159380/salton-sea-shrinking-asthma-respiratory-health-air- quality/
4. https://www.desertsun.com/story/desert-magazine/2016/01/31/desert-magazine- turning-tides-salton-sea/79433474/
5. Donaldson, K., Gilmour, M. I., & MacNee, W. (2000). Asthma and PM10. Respiratory research, 1(1), 12–15. doi:10.1186/rr5