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A state-commissioned report from University of Utah researchers suggests that restoring Great Salt Lake levels may be the most cost-effective method for reducing dust from the exposed lakebed. The study notes that approximately 70 square miles of the lakebed are currently considered active dust hotspots.
Key takeaways
Restoring Great Salt Lake levels may be the most cost-effective way to reduce dust.
About 70 square miles of the lakebed are considered active dust hotspots.
Engineered dust controls are estimated to cost between $3.2 billion and $31 billion.
Researchers recommend targeted controls alongside lake level stabilization.
Restoring water levels in the Great Salt Lake could be the most cost-effective method to reduce dust from the exposed lakebed, according to a report released September 15 by University of Utah researchers. The state-commissioned study was released a day before its publication on September 16.
The report identifies approximately 70 square miles of the lakebed as active dust hotspots. Researchers estimated that implementing engineered controls to manage this dust could cost between $3.2 billion and $31 billion. The findings recommend a combination of targeted dust controls and the stabilization of lake levels.
