A new report titled Running Out of Water: Utah Inland Port Development in the Great Salt Lake Basin has been released, highlighting concerns regarding the proposed Utah Inland Port. The project, which involves a large-scale freight transfer and warehousing facility, faces ongoing scrutiny from environmental and health advocates.
The proposed inland port is described as a massive warehouse and freight transfer facility intended for the northwest side of Salt Lake City. According to Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment, the state took control of tax revenue and land use decisions for more than 25 percent of Salt Lake City in 2018 to facilitate this construction.
Advocates for the Stop the Polluting Port Coalition argue that increased traffic from the port will result in more diesel trucks, trains, and cars, leading to higher levels of air pollution along the Wasatch Front. The development area includes approximately 10,000 acres of undeveloped land that serves as part of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, providing habitat for over 300 species and 10 million migratory birds.
Additional concerns raised by the organization include potential increases in greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, light pollution, and impacts on wildlife habitat. The group also points to a report by Dr. Robert C. Leachman from the University of California at Berkeley that evaluates the commercial potential of the Utah Inland Port Authority’s proposed trans-loading facility.
The Stop the Polluting Port Coalition, which includes Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment, is actively seeking to repeal the legislation that created the Utah Inland Port Authority. The group encourages residents near port locations to participate in public comment periods and contact state legislators to voice opposition to the project.
