Researching dust control methods
In order to determine which dust control methods would be best to implement at the Salton Sea, we consulted with water agencies about current or pilot dust control projects and also researched other similar drying lakes around the world. Owens Lake was found to be the most useful case study. From a study of dust control projects at Owens Lake and other similar lakes around the world, we found nine appropriate dust control methods that could be implemented at the Sea:
1. Shallow Flooding
2. Chemical Dust Suppressants 3. Managed Vegetation 4. Gravel 5. Moat & Row |
6. Surface Roughening
7. Vegetation Enhancement 8. Vegetative Swales 9. Brine Pools |
The first four are legally approved by the EPA for use at the Salton Sea. After reviewing this list of dust control methods, we chose surface roughening and vegetation enhancement as the two best techniques to use at the Salton Sea because they are both water-efficient and cost-effective. Although they are not yet approved for use at the Sea, they are currently being piloted at the Sea and are expected to become approved by the EPA soon.
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Photo by: Ian James/The Desert Sun
Vegetation enhancement is the process of supporting existing vegetation that is already at the Sea. Water and fertilizers are provided to native plants to enhance favorable conditions for them to grow. This allows vegetation to expand and encroach closer to the Sea as it recedes over time.
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