GSL Slip Renters and Marina Users.

USGS wanted me to forward on the following press release regarding a red dye discharge into the Great Salt Lake to better understand potential dispersal flows from Kennecott and JVWCD.

News Release 

October 18, 2011

David Naftz

801-908-5053

dlnaftz@usgs.gov

Pollutant Mixing in Great Salt Lake To Be Studied by Injection of Red Dye

Weather permitting, U.S. Geological Survey scientists in cooperation with Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, will inject a bright red fluorescent dye into the south end of Great Salt Lake (in the vicinity of the Lee Creek outflow) sometime between Monday, October 31 and Thursday, November 4, 2011. 

The dye study is aimed at obtaining useful information on the dispersion, direction of movement, and travel times of potential contaminants entering the south shore area of Great Salt Lake. The south shore of the lake receives inflow from various surface water sources, some containing pollutants from sources in the Salt Lake valley. The results of the study will provide information that can be used by Federal, state, and local agencies, particularly with respect to tracking current and future inputs of pollutants (including selenium) into the south part of Great Salt Lake.

The red dye—known as Rhodamine WT—will be injected into Lee Creek prior to its entry into Great Salt Lake and may be visible up to a mile offshore once the dye enters Great Salt Lake.  The dye, which has been used in hydrologic studies for decades, has been approved for use as a water tracer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is safe to aquatic life at the concentrations used in this study. The dye concentration will be measured during the study using a combination of fixed and boat mounted monitoring stations, as well as an automated underwater vehicle.

Weather permitting, the dye solution will be slowly and steadily injected into Lee Creek for at least four hours. Fluorometric measurements will be made starting near the injection point and continuing offshore for distances of up to 1 mile.

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

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