The Institute for Supply Management says its index of
manufacturing activity rose on higher orders, production, and employment … continue
Chinese manufacturing expanded for a fifth straight month in
April on data that analysts say indicate the country's economic activity is
picking up moderately … continue
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Quick Manufacturing
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PwC survey shows 82% plan increased capital spending as
focus shifts to competitive positioning.
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Quick Manufacturing
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The trade group representing the global steel industry
released a short-term outlook that predicts steel consumption will increase
by 3.6% to a total of 1.42 million metric tons this year, with a further 4.5%
to 1.49 million metric tons in 2013. However, by the end of 2013 steel
consumption in the developed world will be 14% below the 2007 (pre-recession)
level, while in emerging and developing economies it will be 45% higher.
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Quick Manufacturing
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Thirty
percent of American workers report sleeping 6 or fewer hours a day, which
could lead to fatigue and on-the-job safety risks, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's April 27 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report.
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Quick Manufacturing
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New study reports that CFOs reported rising expectations
for earnings, capital investment and hiring. The most notable exception --
one that could be indicative of longer-term challenges -- was the outlook for
sales growth, which remained relatively muted.
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WATER
QUALITY STRATEGY TARGETS UNIQUE LAKE ECOSYSTEM
DEQ Newsletter
The Great
Salt Lake is one of the defining features of the state. Its location along the
heavily populated Wasatch Front, however, has resulted in intense pressure on
lake resources, raising concerns about the sustainability of the lake ecosystem
and resource use.
The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has the regulatory
responsibility to protect the lake's water quality. The Division's Great Salt Lake Water
Quality Strategy, a year in the making, aims to increase understanding of
the unique qualities of the lake and its wetlands, establish a monitoring plan
that supports adaptive management for improved resource protection, and boost
stakeholder participation in lake management through increased opportunities
for input, review, and coordination.
"The Great Salt Lake is important both economically and
ecologically to Utah," explains Walt Baker, director of DWQ. "It
provides mineral and aquaculture resources that pump $1.3 billion into the
economy. The lake and its wetlands provide critical habitat and resources to
millions of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds."
Given the lake's international importance as a major North
American migratory flyway, adequate control of pollutants entering the lake is
critical to protection of these wildlife resources. Yet the unique qualities of
the lake make it difficult to establish water quality rules that take into
account the distinctive features of the lake ecosystem.
With the exception of selenium, the lake lacks numeric water
quality standards for pollutants. This presents a challenge for DWQ when establishing
allowable discharge concentrations for Utah Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (UPDES) permits for effluent discharges to the lake.
"This creates a lot of uncertainty for regulated
entities" said Baker. "DWQ is required by federal and state law to
protect the beneficial uses of the lake. Without clear standards, permits may
be overprotective or under protective of water resources."
"By expanding our knowledge of the effects of pollutants at different salinity levels, we can better address the needs of both the lake and its users."
"By expanding our knowledge of the effects of pollutants at different salinity levels, we can better address the needs of both the lake and its users."
Unique Lake, Unique Challenges
True to its name, the Great Salt Lake is... salty. Salinity
levels in the lake range from seven times greater than ocean water to
freshwater. Since the lake is relatively shallow, water levels can vary
dramatically. Changes in surface water elevation have a considerable impact on
the salinity of the lake's four bays and surrounding wetlands.
Up to twelve million birds visit the lake each year. Eighty
percent of Utah's wetlands are located along the lake's shoreline. Brine shrimp
and brine flies depend on the saline waters and are a critical part of the
lake's food web. The ecosystem contains a diverse array of habitats, including
open water environments, freshwater and brackish wetlands, mudflat/playas,
uplands, dunes, and ephemeral ponds.
In the absence of numeric standards, narrative standards
define the water quality objectives to protect the beneficial uses of the lake.
These standards prohibit undesirable conditions and offer some safeguards for
water quality. However, the highly complex, dynamic interaction of pollutants
in highly saline water cannot be adequately addressed through narrative
standards. Without numeric criteria, it is difficult to ascertain the behavior
and toxicity of pollutants in the lake environment. Better understanding of the
effects of pollutants in this ever-changing environment will result in better
management of lake resources.
Strategy for the Future
The comprehensive water quality strategy relies on five key
components. These include numeric criteria development, strategic monitoring
and research, and a wetland program plan. A public outreach plan and resource
plan developed in collaboration with lake partners and stakeholders will
facilitate feedback during implementation of the core strategy components.
"This integrated approach ensures that we combine the
best available science with public participation and outreach," explains
Baker.
Full implementation of the strategy, including new water
quality criteria and alternative protection measures, will take about ten
years. DWQ is meeting with key stakeholders this month to gather input on the
strategy. The Division plans an open house and a 45-day public comment period
beginning June 19, 2012 to start the plan development process.
"We're in this for the long term," adds Baker.
"Working together, we can protect this priceless treasure for future
generations."
For more information, contact Jodi Gardberg at (801)
536-4372 or jgardberg@utah.gov
This article was written by Christine Osborne, policy
analyst for the Office of Planning and Public Affairs.
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