County Unveils Draft Water Quality Plan

Mar 13, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

Public Input Sought in Two Upcoming Meetings

(KCPW News) For the first time in 20 years, Salt Lake County has a plan to protect the water quality of the Jordan River and its tributaries. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon says the watershed is under stress from rapid development, and this could be the last opportunity to protect this important community asset.

"With the growth we've had in Salt Lake County, we need to look at our water quality," Corroon says. "Unfortunately our Jordan River has become a toilet for Salt Lake County, and it's not what we want it to be."

The draft Water Quality Stewardship Plan took two years to devise, and included input from 50 stakeholder meetings. It focuses on what the county can do over the next six years to improve the Jordan River watershed, including stream restoration, improved storm water facilities, and enhancing the watershed's urban fisheries. The water quality project is just one part of Mayor Corroon's environmental plan for the county.

"We're also looking at air quality, which we feel is very important," Corroon says. "There's no magic bullet for cleaning up our air quality, so we've put in solar panels on some of our buildings. We're also looking at planting trees. Trees are not only good for the air quality, they're also good for reducing energy costs. We're also looking at our vehicle fleet, trying to set the example ourselves."

County leaders are accepting public input on the water quality sustainability plan during two upcoming meetings scheduled for April 8^th and May first. The plan is available for review at every Salt Lake County Library, and at the Salt Lake City Main Library. Click here to read an on-line version of the  Water Quality Stewardship Plan.

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